Some time ago, a Belgian politician wondered how to define common in ‘common interest’ when nearly everything and everyone is being doubted today. That issue also applies to common knowledge and common sense.
What is common nowadays?
A country’s Ministry of Defence used to be common. Nowadays, the American Department of Defence has been renamed into the Department of War by the U.S. President, who is also eager in receiving a Nobel Peace Prize.
In 2015, I published my blog Common sense is not for the common man. Quite possibly, the word common is a mere philosophical phrase that is irrelevant to everyone who is struggling for (daily) survival.
A 2021 blog update included an interesting diagram, which I had forgotten about. However, it feels quite irrelevant in today’s context.
My 2025 update shows a contradiction between freedom (eg, body, mind, soul) and survival (eg, food, housing, water).
Daily survival in Kenya is illustrated by the surge in M-PESA messages for borrowing money at the end of the day (food) and/or week (shelter).
I suppose that only privileged people are able to wonder about issues like common interest, knowledge, man, and sense. Such privileged people include the Belgian politician – and Me Myself I.
Me Myself I (1980) by Joan Armatrading
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-artist, Wiki-album+song
I sit here by myself
And you know I love it
You know I don’t want someone
To come pay a visit
I wanna be by myself
I came in this world alone
Me myself I
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
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