There is a quiet tragedy unfolding in our world today – one that doesn’t make headlines, yet slowly erodes the very foundation of human reasoning. It is the blind adherence to doctrines without understanding, without questioning, and without the application of simple, God-given common sense.
Doctrines, whether religious, cultural, or social, were originally meant to guide people, to bring structure, morality, and direction. But somewhere along the line, many have turned these teachings into rigid laws, stripped of compassion, logic, and context. What was meant to enlighten has, in some cases, begun to imprison the mind.
How did we get here?
People have become so conditioned to “follow” that they no longer “think.” Instructions are accepted without reflection. Traditions are obeyed without understanding their purpose. Authority is rarely questioned, even when it contradicts basic human reasoning.
The result? Individuals who ignore obvious truths, suppress their instincts, and abandon their own judgment – all in the name of loyalty to doctrine.
Common sense, the ability to think clearly, make sound judgments, and act reasonably, has been pushed aside. And when common sense dies, humanity begins to suffer.
We see it in everyday life: People choosing silence over truth because “it’s what we were taught.” People accept injustice because “it’s tradition.” People neglect kindness because “rules must be followed.”
But let’s be honest, what kind of doctrine teaches you to ignore your humanity?
True wisdom does not reject thinking; it encourages it. Any belief system that discourages questioning, that punishes curiosity, or that replaces understanding with fear is not building people up; it is breaking them down.
It is time to awaken.
Applying common sense does not mean disrespecting beliefs. It means understanding them deeply. It means asking: Does this make sense? Does this promote love, fairness, and growth? If the answer is no, then something is wrong, not with you, but with how the doctrine is being applied.
We must learn to balance belief with reasoning. Faith with awareness. Tradition with truth. Human beings were not created to be robots. We were given minds to think, hearts to feel, and wisdom to discern. When we ignore these gifts, we limit our potential and allow harmful patterns to continue unchecked.
The path forward is simple, but not easy: Think. Question. Understand. Apply wisdom.
Let doctrine guide you – but never let it blind you. Because at the end of the day, a life lived without common sense is not a life fully lived.
Authored by Kojo Shugga Jnr
