Why level downward to our dullest perception always, and praise that as common sense? The commonest sense is the sense of men asleep, which they express by snoring.

Summary

This quote by Henry David Thoreau criticizes the tendency to default to the lowest level of perception, characterized as "common sense." Thoreau suggests that common sense often reflects a state of ignorance or apathy, akin to being asleep and snoring. Instead of settling for the dull and ordinary, Thoreau encourages people to rise above, challenge their perceptions, and seek a deeper understanding of the world. By questioning the status quo and expanding our perspectives, we can move beyond the limited realm of common sense and unlock new insights.

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