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By YORITOMO-TASHI
1916
The quality popularly designated as "Common Sense" comprehends, accordingto the modern point of view, the sound judgment of mankind whenreflecting upon problems of truth and conduct without bias from logicalsubtleties or selfish interests. It is one of Nature's priceless gifts;an income in itself, it is as valuable as its application is rare.
How often we hear the expression "Why, I never thought of that!" Why?Because we have failed to exercise Common Sense—that genius of mankind,which, when properly directed is the one attribute that will carry manand his kind successfully through the perplexities of life. Common Senseis as a plant of delicate growth, in need of careful training andcontinued watching so that it may bear fruit at all seasons. In theteachings that follow, the venerable Shogun, Yoritomo-Tashi, points outthat Common Sense is a composite product consisting of (1) Perception;(2) Memory; (3) Thought; (4) Alertness; (5) Deduction; (6) Foresight; (7)Reason, and (8) Judgment. Discussing each of these separately, heindicates their relations and how they may be successfully employed.Further, he warns one against the dangers that lurk in moral inertia,indifference, sentimentality, egotism, etc.
Common Sense is a quality that must be developed if it is to be utilizedto the full of its practical value. Indispensable to this development aresuch qualifications—(1) Ability to grasp situations; (2) Ability toconcentrate the mind; (3) Keenness of perception; (4) Exercise ofthe reasoning power; (5) Power of approximation; (6) Calmness;(7) Self-control, etc. Once mastered, these qualifications enable one toreap the reward of a fine and an exalted sense, and of a practical commonsense which sees things as they are and does things as they should bedone.
The desire for knowledge, like the thirst for wealth, increases byacquisition, but as Bishop Lee has told us, "Knowledge without commonsense is folly; without method it is waste; without kindness it isfanaticism; without religion it is death." But, Dean Farrar added: "Withcommon sense, it is wisdom; with method it is power; with charitybeneficence; with religion it is virtue, life, and peace."
In these pages, Yoritomo-Tashi teaches his readers how to overcome suchdefects of the understanding as may beset them. He shows them how toacquire and develop common sense and practical sense, how to apply themin their daily lives, and how to utilize them profitably in thebusiness world.
To him common sense is the crown of all faculties. Exercised vigilantly,it leads to progress and prosperity, therefore, says he "enthusiasm is asbrittle as crystal, but common sense is durable as brass."
Why should I hesitate to express the pleasure I felt on learning that thepublic, already deeply interested in the teachings of Yoritomo-Tashi,desired to be made familiar with them in a new form?
This knowledge meant many interesting and pleasant