Common Sense
Author: Bill Garwood
Article Published: 09/04/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 09What is and What isn’t Common Sense?
My Dad used to tell me: “Don’t pound that nail with a sponge, use your head!” Knowing I was intelligent enough to know he didn’t mean actually use my head, I never did headbutt a board to pound a nail, but sometimes in life it seemed like it! Over the years, we have all heard or used words and phrases that sounded strange, but if we thought about it, they were wisdom disguised as old sayings.
These are phrases that we all remember from our parents, and which nowadays we groan when we blurt them out in certain situations. Thinking: "Oh God, I have become my parents". Yep, we have, and it’s all right. Parents are supposed to pass on wisdom and knowledge to their young ones. However, it makes us not only remember but cringe that we are speaking the “old sayings” as passing on wisdom from way back in our ancestry. Eeeww, did I just say that?
Our culture has spawned slang and old sayings as quick and easy wisdom to pass on. For example: “A stitch in time saves nine”. Meaning: take care of problems before they grow into bigger ones. Simple. Others are: “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” meaning the person who makes the most noise gets attention quicker. Again, simple thoughts. “That doesn’t amount to a hill of beans”. It’s not a big deal; it’s not worth worrying about.
These sayings are everywhere! Here’s one for around here: “A rolling stone gathers no moss”. Meaning folks who constantly move from one place/job to another won’t gain wealth, status, or success. I have known many people who never seem to settle in one place, to put down roots, and have a better life. They seem to think everyone is against them, and they look for greener pastures. Constantly! My youngest Son was like that; he had a great job running a gas station/shoppett. He was doing great; his boss was giving him more responsibility and pay. One day, one of his high school buddies came in and said, “You’re working here?” He was embarrassed and quit. He then moved way out of state and is working but not exactly prospering.
Look around you, put together a future. I have known many “burger flippers” who went on to have their own restaurant franchise. Some might even become a district manager or corporate type. They started small but put together a great life!
Your life is what you make it, if you stick with it! Remember: “The early bird catches the worm”. Start fast, gain success early! See, those old sayings are there for a reason. This is wisdom, and looking at a situation and acting on it will provide you a better life. Sometimes working with other people is like “herding cats.” Stay strong, seek, and act on opportunities. They are all around you; some are right in front of you: “If it was a snake, it would have bit you.” Be aware of your surroundings. Enjoy life.
Cooler weather is on the way; be prepared!
