Random Thoughts

  The other day, I was having a conversation at home. I thought I'd been pretty clear in what I was describing (the timing and locations for picking up my son after school camp). It turns out, I hadn't been clear at all and my wife was utterly confused. We've all been there: we've explained something, confident that our message was clear. Only to later realise that the listener had a completely different interpretation. This common communication breakdown often stems from a fundamental assumption: that our words are inherently clear and that our intentions are transparent. The Illusion of Clarity It's easy to fall into the trap of assuming that our communication is effective. We may use clear language, provide detailed explanations, and believe we've conveyed our message with precision. However, our listeners may interpret our words differently based on their own experiences, biases, and knowledge. Factors that Can Hinder Understanding Several factors can contri...

  All too often, I come across family online claiming something is "Common Sense". In my last job, one of the managers routinely claimed the expectations they had of other staff were "Common Sense". These scenarios always make me uneasy. "Common sense" is a phrase so ingrained in our vocabulary, it feels almost instinctive. We rely on it for everyday decisions, for navigating social situations, and even for forming opinions on complex issues. But is "common sense" truly all it's cracked up to be? In a world increasingly driven by scientific advancements and intricate challenges, is it enough to simply rely on what feels intuitive? The Myth of Universality: Common Sense as a Disguise for Ignorance The term "common sense" implies a universally held understanding, a baseline of knowledge that everyone possesses. However, this very assumption reveals the first flaw in this narrative. Common sense is far from universal. It's shaped ...