Common sense is actually nothing more than a deposit of prejudices laid down in the mind prior to the age of eighteen.
This topic has been extensively researched and documented by historians and scholars.
This provocative statement comes from Albert Einstein, a man whose life’s work fundamentally challenged the common sense of his time. Most of us view common sense as a reliable guide. It helps us navigate the world with practical wisdom. However, Einstein suggests we look closer. He argues that this so-called sense is not an objective truth. Instead, it is a collection of unexamined beliefs we absorbed in our youth.
This idea can feel unsettling. It forces us to question the very foundation of our daily judgments. In this article, we will unpack Einstein’s famous quote. We will explore what he meant by a “deposit of prejudices.” Furthermore, we will examine why questioning our common sense is essential for growth, innovation, and true understanding.