“Common Source sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.”
This striking statement challenges our most basic assumptions. People often attribute this quote to Albert Einstein. It certainly sounds like him. The sentiment reflects a mind that redefined our understanding of space, time, and gravity. But did the legendary physicist actually say it? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. Moreover, exploring its origin reveals much about Einstein’s revolutionary thinking.
This quote is not a fleeting internet meme. Its connection to Einstein has a credible, documented history. However, you will not find this exact sentence in his published papers or personal letters. Instead, its origin traces back to a specific conversation. The journey to verify it takes us to a popular science book from the mid-20th century.
Tracing the Quote to Its Source
The most reliable source linking Einstein to this idea is Lincoln Barnett’s 1948 book, The Universe and Dr. Einstein. Barnett was a science writer who spent time interviewing the physicist. In the book, Barnett explains Einstein’s perspective on the axioms of science. He writes that Einstein felt we must be ready to abandon long-held beliefs. These beliefs, which we often call common sense, can hinder scientific progress. Barnett then presents the famous line as a direct definition given to him by Einstein.
Specifically, the quote first appeared in print in a 1949 Harper’s Magazine article by Barnett. Source This article was an excerpt from his upcoming book. . This context is crucial. Einstein did not write the sentence himself for publication. Rather, a journalist reported it from a conversation. This explains why it’s absent from Einstein’s own formal writings. While this makes direct verification from Einstein impossible, Barnett’s work is a respected and well-documented source, lending the attribution strong credibility.
Why Context Matters
Understanding the context helps us grasp the quote’s true meaning. Einstein was not dismissing the value of practical, everyday judgment. He was a patent clerk, after all, a job that required sharp, practical thinking. His target was the unexamined assumptions that form the bedrock of our worldview. For him,