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Common sense is as rare as genius.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Common sense is uncommon and valuable, much like genius.

In this quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson highlights the rarity and importance of common sense, suggesting that it is as valuable as exceptional intelligence. He implies that while genius may be celebrated, it is equally essential to recognize the necessity of practical wisdom in daily life.

Themes

Common SenseWisdomGeniusRarityPracticality

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate on decision-making, I would quote Emerson to emphasize the value of practical wisdom.

More from Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do.
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Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
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Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations
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The world belongs to the energetic.
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Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
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Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson | QuoteProject