The Arts and the Sciences

Within the history and structures of Western academic thought emerge certain lines of demarcation. We cluster our collective learning and knowledge under the Arts and the Sciences. (I could add, were I inclined, the Letters, by which I mean literature and scholarly writing in the humanities — not just creative works, but the broader intellectual […]

Building Your Power of Expression Censorious, adj. Pronunciation: senˈsôrēəs Meaning: We hear this word used often in the media – especially conservative media (such as talk radio, one of the few mediums dominated by conservative thought). When used in such settings, it is usually in reference to accusations of censorship of conservatives by Leftists. While […]

Uncommon Sense was launched in 2011 for the purpose of providing clarity to people on many issues, and also to float wisdom and intelligence out there as a countermeasure to the nonsense that is often bandied about in the public square. Wisdom and intelligence are sorely lacking in today’s marketplace of ideas. I hope you […]

I credit RM for reminding me of some important truths. He called me the other day seeking my advice on a matter he was struggling with. During the course of that conversation, wherein I gave him brilliant advice, the conversation turned to some things I was struggling with myself. I’m a deal-maker at heart. Very […]

In a 1973 essay, “Utopianism, Ancient and Modern,” commentator Irving Kristol touched upon the conservative indifference to the claims of culture. “For two centuries,” he wrote, the very important people who managed the affairs of this society could not believe in the importance of ideas—until one day they were shocked to discover that their children, […]

I have been a participant in many conversations over the last year about relationships. I’m talking about male-female romantic relationships. Many of these conversations have involved current or former college students of mind. Many others have involved peers of mine. Sometimes the conversation involves a person who wants to be in a relationship with a […]

Building Your Power of Expression Pied, adj. Pronunciation: Pīd Meaning: Refers to having two (or more) differing colors, especially in blotches or patches. It is often used to describe animals, horses in particular. Birds, cats, and dogs are often the recipients of the adjective, although the term is not exclusive to animals. It can also […]

Delighted to have you back for yet another dose of Uncommon Sense! This issue is simply bulging with content! The Self-Development column will take a hard look at something internal to us that holds us back. Read it carefully and internalize it. One of my favorite thought-leaders is the wry, witty, antagonistic Roger Kimball. The […]

We all carry invisible weights. Some were handed to us by well-meaning parents, teachers, or peers. Others we quietly forged ourselves through failure, fear, or comparison. They are our limiting beliefs — quiet, persistent ideas that whisper, “You can’t,” “You shouldn’t,” or “You’ll never be enough.” But what if these beliefs are not truths, only […]

Throughout his presidential campaign, Donald Trump declared that he and his supporters were “the party of common sense.” In his Inaugural Address on January 20, Trump returned to this theme. With his flurry of executive orders, he said, “We will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense. It’s all about […]