We started this series to break down the nonsensical, one-sided, imbalanced takes we see repeated over and over—ideas that make absolutely no sense yet somehow dominate mainstream conversations. These takes are almost always based on “what works for me” rather than “what works for the majority of people,” and that self-centered, shortsighted mindset is the root of many of the problems we face today.
Yet, few people can grasp why we feel this way—or why we take the positions we do on certain topics (like DEI and the reality of equity vs. inclusion, for example). Instead of engaging in actual discussion, many just default to slapping labels on us—calling us hateful, racist, or conspiracy theorists—despite the fact that we’ve never once called them anything.
But let’s be clear: it’s none of that. It’s not about hate, or division, or some radical agenda. We just aren’t ignorant, stupid, or brainwashed.
We still understand nuance. We still remember how to think critically. We know that “critical thinking” has nothing to do with “negative criticism.”
Because let’s be real: basic life wisdom is going extinct.
Those of us who feel this way were TAUGHT how to think—not what to think. We were taught how to read and comprehend, not just regurgitate buzzwords. We grew up in a time when thinking for yourself wasn’t seen as dangerous.
And I’m not talking about book smarts or technical skills. I mean the kind of practical, no-nonsense knowledge that used to be second nature—but now seems to be a rare superpower. The kind of things that, once upon a time, were so obvious that no one even thought to write them down.
But here we are.
We’ve been working with our son to outline a list of essential topics—issues, values, and character traits—that have all but disappeared in today’s reality. These are the foundational principles we want to ensure he understands and stands firmly upon as he grows older.
And as we’ve put this list together, it’s become clear that these aren’t just lessons for him—they’re reminders for all of us.
So, as part of our Common Sense Series, this post is dedicated to the skills so many of us agree that people need to re-learn if they want to stop getting played, stop making life harder than it needs to be, and start actually thriving in a world that, for all intents and purposes, seems to have completely lost its mind.
Let’s get into it.
1. Knowing When to Shut Up (a.k.a. Reading the Room)
Here’s a wild idea: not every thought needs to be spoken out loud. Not every argument needs your input. Not every moment is about you.
What we lost:
Social awareness—knowing when to speak, when to listen, and when to just keep moving.
Why it matters:
Oversharing, unsolicited opinions, and arguing for the sake of arguing? Not a good look.
How to re-skill yourself:
Before speaking, ask the following questions:
• Does this actually need to be said?
• Does this need to be said by me?
• Does this need to be said right now?
If the answer is no, congratulations, you just avoided unnecessary drama.
2. Reacting Less, Thinking More
We live in a time where people see a headline, feel something, and immediately take it as truth. That’s a problem.
What we lost:
The ability to pause, think critically, and evaluate information before reacting.
Why it matters:
If you let manipulated narratives and cherry-picked facts control your emotions, you are not in control of your own mind.
How to re-skill yourself:
• Ask yourself who benefits from you believing what you just saw.
• Look at multiple sources.
• Sit with it for a moment before reacting.
This one skill alone would prevent so much stupidity.
3. Solving Problems Without Immediately Googling It
Do you know how many people would straight-up freeze in place if their phone died while they were lost?
What we lost:
Basic troubleshooting. The ability to figure things out instead of depending on technology for every answer.
Why it matters:
If you have no ability to think on your feet, you are one small crisis away from being useless.
How to re-skill yourself:
Start small—next time you have a problem, try to solve it before looking it up.
Common sense means training your brain to work, not just outsourcing everything.
4. Understanding That Your Feelings Aren’t Facts
Harsh truth: Just because something upsets you doesn’t mean it’s untrue. Just because something comforts you doesn’t mean it’s a fact.
What we lost:
The ability to separate emotion from reality.
Why it matters:
A world that prioritizes feelings over truth is a world that falls apart.
How to re-skill yourself:
When something makes you mad, ask:
• Is this actually false, or do I just not like it?
• Would I still believe this if it went against what I want to be true?
This skill alone would fix… a lot.
5. Accepting That Life Is Uncomfortable Sometimes
Not everything is trauma. Not everything is oppression. Sometimes life just sucks for a minute, and you get through it.
What we lost:
Emotional resilience—the ability to handle discomfort without making it a crisis.
Why it matters:
The strongest people aren’t the ones who avoid hardship, but the ones who know how to push through it.
How to re-skill yourself:
• Stop labeling every negative experience as an attack.
• Learn the difference between real suffering and simple inconvenience.
Common sense says not every bad moment requires a full breakdown.
6. Listening to Understand, Not Just to Reply
Most people don’t listen. They just wait for their turn to talk.
What we lost:
The ability to actually hear what someone is saying without immediately preparing a rebuttal.
Why it matters:
If you never truly listen, you’ll always be stuck in surface-level interactions and pointless arguments.
How to re-skill yourself:
• Next time someone is speaking, don’t think about what you’ll say next. Just listen.
• Before responding, repeat back what you heard to make sure you actually understood.
Basic conversation skills: not as common as they should be.
7. Keeping Some Things to Yourself
Believe it or not, not everything needs to be posted, shared, or turned into content.
What we lost:
The value of privacy and discretion.
Why it matters:
Oversharing can lead to lost jobs, damaged relationships, and unnecessary drama.
How to re-skill yourself:
Before posting something personal, ask:
• Would I still want this public in a year?
• Does this actually need to be shared, or am I just craving attention?
Some things are better left unsaid.
8. Taking Responsibility for Your Own Choices
Nobody forced you to make that decision. Nobody made you act that way.
What we lost:
Ownership. The ability to recognize our own role in the outcomes we experience.
Why it matters:
If you never take responsibility, you’ll keep making the same mistakes.
How to re-skill yourself:
• Start saying, “That was my mistake.”
• Stop blaming everyone else for your circumstances.
The moment you accept responsibility, you gain power over your own life.
9. Doing Things Without Needing Applause
Not everything needs a trophy. Not everything is a performance.
What we lost:
The ability to work without external validation.
Why it matters:
The world needs more people who do the right thing because it’s right, not because they want a cookie for it.
How to re-skill yourself:
Ask yourself, “Would I still do this if no one knew about it?”
If the answer is no, reevaluate why you’re doing it.
10. Being Alone Without Feeling Lonely
Some people are so afraid of silence that they distract themselves 24/7.
What we lost:
The ability to be content in our own company.
Why it matters:
If you can’t be alone, you’ll settle for toxic people just to avoid silence.
How to re-skill yourself:
• Spend time without distractions—no phone, no background noise, just existing.
• Learn to enjoy your own thoughts.
If you can’t sit alone in silence, that’s something to work on.
Closing Thoughts
Common sense isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about living wisely. And if we don’t reclaim these lost skills, we’re just making life harder for ourselves.
If this resonates, share your thoughts—what’s another common sense skill you think people need to bring back? What takes do you have on the points we’ve shared here? Let us know how we can dive deeper, or help to further this conversation… because it’s an important one to have.
The Twin Tree Project 