A Collection of Prejudices...

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." -Albert Einstein

Common sense. Some people have it, some people don't. I am one of those blessed people who lack it in only a small way. I'm not 'street smart' as my friend is so fond of saying. But I know enough to get around in life without getting killed. But what really astounds me is that most of my friends, including me if I'm being honest, have prejudices. We at the advanced ages of fifteen and sixteen. And it is because these preconceived notions about different types of items, situations, and people that we live our lives the way we do. Some people may say this is a good thing, that we are able to form opinions at such a young age. But when I look at it, especially in my own life, I tend to see these things as a much more negative thing. Yes, independence is good for you, but if that comes at the cost of pre-judging people, is it truly independence. Because these patterns of judgement that we develop now will guide us through the rest of our lives. And if we don't spend the time and energy necessary to make sure we give everything and everyone their due before we pass judgement. So maybe next time we see something that our cultural conditioning says is inappropriate or wrong, maybe we can take a minute or two to consider it before we add it to our list of 'Things We May Now Judge.' I know I will certainly try.


prejudice |ˈprejədəs|
noun
1) preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience