The Disconnect Between Common Sense and Reality, Explored by Choo Ann NGOH

In a recent LinkedIn post, Choo Ann NGOH explores the often-surprising disconnect between what we are taught and the realities we encounter, particularly concerning the concept of ‘common sense’. NGOH uses a series of relatable anecdotes to highlight how perceived truths can be challenged by everyday experiences and the questions that arise from them.

The post opens with a humorous observation that sets the tone for NGOH’s exploration:

“Papa, where is the straw in the strawberry 🍓?”

NGOH shares this question, posed by their own child, as a jumping-off point to discuss how children’s natural curiosity often leads them to question established norms or even seemingly obvious facts. This initial anecdote immediately establishes the theme: the gap between expectation and reality.

Questioning Perceived Truths

Choo Ann NGOH delves into the idea that what is presented as common knowledge or common sense may not always align with empirical observation or logical deduction. NGOH recounts a personal experience from their early career, illustrating this point:

“I did tell him, my school teacher taught me 1 + 1 = 2. But but but when I started working, my boss told me 1 + 1 = 3 😱😅”

This anecdote, as NGOH points out, encapsulates the confusion that can arise when learned principles are contradicted by practical application or different perspectives. The author uses this to question the very nature of ‘common sense’, suggesting it is not as universal or straightforward as the term implies.

The Elusiveness of ‘Common Sense’

The core of NGOH’s argument revolves around the idea that ‘common sense is anything but common’. They highlight the irony of using a phrase that suggests universality when, in practice, what one person considers common sense might be entirely foreign or illogical to another. NGOH prompts readers to reflect on this phenomenon:

“(raises hand)🙋have you encountered things that makes sense yet at the same time makes zero sense? eg common sense is anything but common?🤷 Yet we continue to say or use it”

This rhetorical question encourages engagement and shared experience, inviting the LinkedIn community to consider instances where they too have grappled with concepts that defy simple explanation or universally accepted logic. NGOH suggests that these cognitive dissonances are a normal part of learning and navigating the complexities of the world.

Challenging Assumptions

NGOH’s post ultimately serves as a gentle reminder to embrace curiosity and to question assumptions, much like a child might. The analogy of the strawberry, where the ‘straw’ is a linguistic convention rather than a physical part, brings the discussion full circle. As NGOH concludes:

“Exactly the same thing for strawberry 🍓, isn’t it? I mean have you found the straw in a strawberry 🤷”

Through these engaging examples, Choo Ann NGOH encourages a more critical and open-minded approach to information and everyday experiences. The post highlights the value of questioning, even when the answers are not immediately apparent, and underscores that what we often call ‘common sense’ is frequently a matter of perspective and context.