Wikipedia:Common sense is not common

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an essay; it contains the advice and/or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. It is not a policy or guideline, and editors are not obliged to follow it.

The concept of common sense is a long-standing term, based on human experience and people's individual perceptions. Thus, common sense is different from person to person - common sense is not common.

Thus, when discussing issues of importance to projects on Wikipedia, don't consider your position, or the position that you agree with, or even a position that has consensus, to be "common sense," because it's nothing more than your perception. Your idea of "common sense" is likely to contradict someone else's idea of "common sense."

Instead of relying on "common sense" to make decisions, you should instead rely on building consensus for your position and perception, and work with other people to reach a conclusion most people can accept. By assuming your position is "common sense" and acting upon it, all you're doing is insulting the people who disagree with you.

And always keep this saying in mind:

     "Common sense is not so common."
         * Voltaire, Dictionnaire Philosophique (1764)