Dear Common Sense,

There’s nothing common about you anymore.

The more I look for you in the world around me—in conversations, in decisions, in actions—the more uncommon you seem. It’s ironic, really. 

You were supposed to be the one thing that didn’t need to be taught. But somehow, somewhere along the way, we started leaving you behind.

You are vital in moments that matter. In the chaos of an emergency, in the stillness of a difficult choice, in the quiet moments where empathy is needed more than opinions—you show up, and things make sense. 

You remind us how to act with kindness. How to listen before speaking. How to pause before reacting.

You are what makes humans feel humane.

And yet… you are so rare now. 

Especially when we need you the most—when the world feels heavy, when we’re on edge, when a little thoughtfulness could ease someone’s burden. 

That’s when your absence is loudest.

I hope we humans remember how to find you again. I hope we try—not just in theory, but in everyday actions—to let you guide our words, our decisions, and our hearts.

We don’t need brilliance every day. We don’t need perfection. But we do need you.

Yours in longing,

Someone still holding out hope for your return