It’s hard to beat the value of common sense… a rarity these days.
Here’s Ken’s Metaphor for Success #7:
Resist confusing the issue with intelligence.
Being raised on a Farm with considerable responsibility early in life, driving a tractor at 12, hauling grain at 14, etc., my Father not only instilled in me the “hard work” ethic, but he was also an advocate of what he called “good old common horse sense”. He always said, “You don’t need a College degree to tell you when to come in out of the rain”. This is so true.
With all due respect, highly educated individuals often are a little short in the common sense area. This reminds me of the true story about a semi tractor-trailor that became stuck under a bridge because the driver ignored the overhead clearance warning. Traffic was backed up for miles while various engineers assessed the problem. After hours of futile attempts to resolve the issue, a child in a nearby car rolled down his window and shouted, “Just let the air out of the tires”. A fine example of “common sense” trumping “intelligence” and ruling the day.
