Leonardo da Vinci: 'Common Sense is that which judges the things given to it by other senses.'

Common Sense is that which judges the things given to it by other senses.

Leonardo da Vinci once said, 'Common Sense is that which judges the things given to it by other senses.' This quote, at first glance, may seem like a simple observation about the role our senses play in our perception of the world. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a profound understanding of the human mind and its ability to make sense of reality.In essence, da Vinci suggests that common sense is the faculty within us that evaluates and makes sense of the information gathered by our senses. It is the mechanism through which we interpret the world around us, allowing us to discern between what is real and what is illusory. Common sense acts as a filter, helping us navigate the complexities of our experiences and make informed decisions based on the input received from our other senses.The importance of this quote lies in its recognition of the crucial role played by common sense in our daily lives. Without it, the world would be a chaotic and confusing place, with our senses bombarding us with a barrage of information that lacks any coherent meaning. Common sense acts as a bridge between our senses and our understanding, allowing us to harmonize the seemingly disparate inputs from our visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and gustatory senses.Now, let's introduce a thought-provoking philosophical concept that can add depth and intrigue to the discussion. Imagine if we could separate our common sense from the limitations of our senses and perceive the world from a different vantage point. This notion aligns with the philosophy of idealism, which suggests that reality is ultimately a product of our minds.If we consider the quote in light of idealism, we might interpret it as follows: our common sense is not only a judge of the things given to it by other senses but also a creator of reality itself. In other words, our perception of the world is not solely reliant on the information provided by our senses but is also influenced by our preconceived notions, beliefs, and biases. This shifts the focus from an external, empirical understanding of the world to an internal, subjective interpretation shaped by our common sense.By juxtaposing idealism with da Vinci's quote, we are encouraged to question the nature of reality and the influence of our own minds on our perception. Does common sense merely judge the external world, or does it also impose subjective interpretations onto our experiences? Can we truly trust the judgments made by our common sense, considering the potential biases and filters it may employ? These philosophical ponderings add an unexpected layer to the initial observation made by da Vinci, challenging us to delve deeper into the workings of our minds and the nature of our perception.In conclusion, da Vinci's quote serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by common sense in our understanding of the world. It acts as a judge, evaluating the information provided by our senses and helping us make sense of our experiences. However, when viewed through the lens of idealism, the quote takes on a deeper meaning, prompting us to question the very nature of reality and our role in shaping it. By exploring both the straightforward interpretation and the philosophical implications, we gain a richer understanding of the complexity of our perceptions and the importance of cultivating a discerning common sense.