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“Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.”
~William James (1842-1910), American psychologist
Whatever I lack in common sense, I like to think I make up in a sense of humor.
And I completely embrace William Jame’s idea that my sense of humor is my common sense doing the cha-cha.
I’m all for evaluating the facts of a situation — I am a journalist, after all. But I also bring my emotions into play, as well as praying for discernment.
But allowing my sense of humor freedom to weave it’s way through a challenge has saved me from frustration. From failure. From walking away from an opportunity.
In Your Words: If you had to choose, would you pick common sense or a sense of humor?
Comments 45
Oh yeah, I’d choose humor. Although, a good dose of common sense is pretty useful, too. But it’s generally not near as fun as humor! 🙂
Agreed, Melissa.
I’d pick humor over common sense any day.
I love that quote, Beth! A sense of humor is vital to keep our vitals in check. It’s good for the soul and keeping our mind from derailing off its tracks. But do we have to choose? We need both!
No, I don’t think we have to choose … well, just today, because I asked you too.
😉
I’d choose humor as it brings an enjoyable quality to life that matter-of-fact common sense doesn’t always provide. I don’t know any other journalist who has crossed over to master novel-writing. Congratulations, you’re managing the best of both worlds.
🙂
Thanks, Dee.
Aren’t they one and the same? I mean, you really can’t have one without the other. 🙂
Well, I think I have much more of one than the other …
I think in order to have a sense of humor you must be grounded with some degree of common sense. Or maybe not. Still, I’m going with sense of humor all the way.
Hhhhmmm … I gotta think about this, Wendy …
Ha! So true. I like to think of myself as having more than a healthy dose of common sense, but, there have been times when it has danced the Quickstep. 🙂
LOL, Julia!
Beth, of course, all Type A’s would want to say “common sense,” wouldn’t they? 🙂
But, I’d have to choose humor, too. It’s what’s kept me going during some tough times. And I love to laugh! I’ve tried to contain it, and it just doesn’t work. Oozes out when I try to suppress it!
Ah, Cynthia, this is why you and I have connected … I love to laugh too!
Do we have to choose? I want both–especially more humor. 🙂 Maybe I can figure out how to have humor teach my common sense the salsa. 🙂 (Since we’re using dance terms today).
My daughter Amy can teach us both how to salsa!
😉
A good balance of both works for me. But good to consider. Thanks for sharing. Holly
Thanks for joining the conversation today, Holly.
I can’t imagine life without humor. And I think you’d needs lots of it if you didn’t have much common sense : )
Love this. It cracked me up!
🙂
🙂
Well said, Kathy.
If I had to choose? I think I’d rather have common sense (but please let me have a sense of humor, too!). Common sense is the best tool we can give our children – and possess ourselves. Common sense tells you when to speak and when to be quiet, when to go and when to stay, when to laugh and when to refrain. 🙂 Sounds a little like widsom.
Well said, Gabrielle.
Ay, ay, ay, that’s a hard one! I think I’m more of a common sense person, but I see the value–so much!–in a sense of humor. Life wouldn’t be the same if we couldn’t laugh at ourselves when our common sense fails…
LOL …
Sense of humor. It’s the only thing that makes sense. : )
*snort*
And agreed.
Great quote.
I think common sense and sense of humor go hand in hand for good balance. Although some people seem to lack one or the other.
Balance, balance, balance.
An admirable goal.
Interesting. I never considered common sense and humor were opposite sides of the same coin.
Me either, but I like the thought.
Humor!!! No contest!! I’m a firstborn so the common sense thing is fairly hard-wired. I always hope to act wisely, but never forget how to laugh…or dance…or twirl…or skip. Keeps my heart happy and takes some of the pressure out of pressing on.
Pressing on often takes faith…”uncommon” sense. But that’s another topic altogether.
Loved this quote and your reflections on it, Beth.
Happy dancing!!
Uncommon sense … hhhhmmmm …
Oh man, that’s a tough question! Common sense is pretty handy to have. But I guess if I didn’t have common sense, a sense of humor would keep me from noticing. 🙂
ROTFL, Sarah!
Humor. If you lack common sense, then you can laugh at the all crazy nonsensical things you do.
Exactly, Scoti.
I’m another firstborn who could use more laughter in my life, so I’m going with humor.
I think humor won the day today!
LOVE this quote! I don’t think I can choose. I need common sense for my sense of humor to remain so snarky. 🙂
OK, Jennifer, you don’t have to choose …
All the common sense in the world won’t help you deal with life’s chaotic nonsensical dance of existence. Humor on the other hand will keep you healthy, if nothing else. “A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine.”(NIV)
Choosing is hard as I like to think I have a lot of common sense but if I had to let one go–it would be that so I could have humor to get through those tough times. You have to laugh when life gets rough:)
Hmm.. I can’t choose.I have to have both, but I try to find the good and the funny in every situation. If all else fails I laugh at myself. :0)