Gertrude Stein: 'Everyone gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense.'

Everyone gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense.

In her insightful quote, Gertrude Stein captures the overwhelming nature of the information age we live in. With the constant influx of data bombarding us from all directions, it is no wonder that our common sense often gets lost in the deluge. In a straightforward interpretation, Stein suggests that the excessive amount of information we encounter on a daily basis can cloud our judgment and impair our ability to think critically.In today's world, we are constantly connected, scrolling through social media feeds, consuming news articles, and being bombarded by advertisements. Our brains are being bombarded with an unprecedented amount of information, giving us access to more knowledge than ever before. And while this flood of information can be tremendously beneficial, it also has its drawbacks.When we are constantly exposed to a sea of data, it becomes increasingly challenging to distinguish between what is true and what is false, what is relevant and what is irrelevant. Our capacity for critical thinking can become dulled as we consume information in bite-sized snippets, lacking depth and context. With so much competing for our attention, our common sense often takes a backseat, overshadowed by sensationalism, clickbait, and confirmation bias.But beyond this straightforward interpretation of Stein's quote lies a deeper philosophical concept that adds an unexpected twist to the discussion – the idea that common sense may not be as common as we think. While Stein pinpoints the deluge of information as the culprit for its erosion, one could argue that common sense itself is not an inherent trait possessed by all individuals.Common sense, in its essence, refers to sound judgment and practical understanding. It encompasses the ability to make logical decisions based on shared knowledge and experience. However, the very notion of common sense implies a collective understanding, suggesting that what is deemed common can vary from one society or culture to another. It exposes the inherent subjectivity of what we consider 'common' and challenges the universality of common sense.Furthermore, the erosion of common sense in the face of information overload brings to the forefront the importance of critical thinking and discernment. It urges us to question the accuracy and reliability of the information we encounter. Do we simply accept everything we see, hear, or read at face value, or do we engage in deeper analysis and evaluation?Perhaps, instead of lamenting the loss of common sense, we should view this phenomenon as an invitation to cultivate a new sense of discernment. In this era of information saturation, it becomes crucial to develop the ability to filter, evaluate, and verify the information we consume. We need to strengthen our critical thinking skills, acknowledging that common sense alone may not be enough to navigate the complexities of our world.The advent of technology has undeniably expanded our access to information, but it has also heightened the need for us to be active participants in the consumption and interpretation of that information. We must take responsibility for seeking reliable sources, cross-referencing facts, and cutting through the noise to find the truth. It is through this conscious and deliberate effort that we can reclaim and preserve our common sense.In conclusion, Gertrude Stein's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges posed by the overwhelming influx of information in our lives. It highlights the potential erosion of common sense in the face of information overload. However, delving deeper into the philosophical concept of common sense, we discover its subjectivity and the importance of critical thinking in navigating the complexities of our information-driven world. Ultimately, it is through developing discernment and actively engaging with the information we consume that we can regain our common sense and maintain a clear perspective in this digital age.