Shakespeare on Common Sense and its Pitfalls

and what impossibility would slay in common sense“And what impossibility would slay
In common sense, sense saves another way.”
(All’s Well That Ends Well, act 2, sc. 1)

Tips for Use.  A way to justify your going along with an idea suggested by others, though you rate its success unlikely. The lines also illustrate the inherent paradox of common sense. If common sense were the supreme arbiter of decisions, innovations would be either stifled or impossible. Just think of the notion (supported by the common sense of observation and the sanction of theology), that the sun rotates around the earth. An idea already suggested in antiquity by the astronomer-philosopher Aristarchus of Samos but let dormant for 1800 years until the times Copernicus and Galileo. And we know what Galileo had to go through for publicizing his views. Sometimes the will to adhere to old notions is so strong as make the holder of the notion blind to the absurd consequences. Galileo, using his perfected telescope, discovered that Jupiter had satellites, thus destroying the geo-centric theory of the universe. Whereupon the bishop of Pisa declared that it was sinful to look through a telescope because it showed objects that did not exist. History, even recent, is full of lunatic conclusions reached on the same principle.
Which is to say that common sense may not make sense all the time.
Take a look at the web-page describing the book “Your Daily Shakespeare”, 1390 pages filled to the brim with over 10,000 situations you may find yourself in or involved with, attuned to the perfect Shakespearean repartee that will get you on the stage or at least out of the water – besides making you  a winner of verbal contests. “Your Daily Shakespeare” has been described as the most unusual, useful and unique book of Shakespearean quotations. Nothing similar exists or has ever existed.

And if you like this website why not subscribe (see last menu item to the right)? You will get automatically any new blog as well as any other information and novelty that will be forthcoming, including a system to effortlessly (yes) remember hundreds of Shakespearean quotes by heart while having fun in the process. You can also chat with me – please go to the chat-page. And I promise, no sales calls, trade leads, venomous schemes, hidden plots, Machiavellian conspiracies, commercial ploys, psychological tricks, leads exchanges, barter proposals, suggestions or offers of any kind imaginable (and unimaginable).

In the play. Helena has staked her life and reputation on her power to cure the King. That is, either the cure is effective or she is prepared to die. The King begins to yield to Helen’s attempt at a cure and she will be successful.

Image Source:   http://impossible-world.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html

 

This entry was posted in After Dinner Quotes, Best Shakespeare Quotes, Elegant Shakespearean Quotes, Encouraging Quotes, Philosophical, Psychological & Historical Considerations, Presentation Ideas, Shakespeare in Management, Shakespeare in Politics, Shakespeare on Mass Psychology and Group Behavior, Social Exchanges Shakespeare style and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.