Use Your Common Sense Day

Use Your Common Sense Day is celebrated every year on November 4th. This day is dedicated to reminding us all about the importance of applying common sense in our daily lives. Common sense is the ability to make sound decisions based on basic knowledge and practical experience—like knowing not to put metal in the microwave or not to touch electrical appliances with wet hands.

History

Use Your Common Sense Day falls on the birthday of Will Rogers, who famously remarked that “common sense ain’t that common.” The day encourages everyone to use their better judgment to avoid unnecessary mistakes and dangers. In today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world, some believe that the value of common sense is often overlooked, prompting discussions about introducing it as a formal subject in schools.

The idea of common sense can be traced back to Aristotle, who described it as the ability of both humans and animals to process information, remember, imagine, and make judgments. He noted that while animals have common sense, only humans possess rational thinking that goes beyond the basics.

Interesting facts

• René Descartes believed everyone has enough common sense, but not everyone applies it well.
• During the Enlightenment, “common sense” was associated with good taste and sound judgment.
• Today, common sense is considered a fundamental skill for safe and smart living.
• The holiday was established by Bud Bilanich, a motivational speaker and writer who has authored 19 books about success and the importance of common sense.

How to take part

Reflect on past events and consider where using common sense could have helped you avoid mistakes. If you recognize an error, acknowledge it, learn from it, and move forward with improved judgment. You can also host a “common sense” party—share funny memes about silly mistakes and talk with friends about how those mishaps could have been prevented.

When is Use Your Common Sense Day in 2025?

Use Your Common Sense Day is observed on November 4 each year.

Observations