Terry Wogan's "The Little Book of Common Sense"

 

What we call common sense in English is not very common at all. If common sense could be learned by reading books, then those who have read many books and passed many exams wouldn’t be so lacking in it. Many years ago, I used to work at an educational institution. One of my colleagues would sit in the teachers’ common room—right in front of everyone—pluck his nose hairs and then blow them away into the air. The “common sense” of the common room!! Had he not read enough books?

Knowing full well that common sense cannot be increased by reading books, I still read Sir Terry Wogan’s The Little Book of Common Sense. The book is literally quite “little.” Only 133 pages, and quite small. There’s a lot of blank space on the pages too; they’re not filled from top to bottom with words. So, it was quite a comfortable read.

Sir Terry Wogan is a British journalist. Since 1972, he has been presenting BBC’s morning show. He was knighted in 2005. His experience and his characteristic humour make every line of the book thoroughly enjoyable.

On several essential matters of life, he has expressed very effective philosophies in just a few words. For example, about God he says: Never admit that you are an atheist. Keep your disbelief to yourself. Otherwise, you’ll spend your entire life listening to religious lectures. Even though he doesn’t mention the possibility of losing your life, we all know how that can turn out.

If you feel like speaking the truth to someone’s face, make sure it’s someone you will never have to meet again. If you speak unpleasant truths to a friend or family member, be prepared to hear extremely nasty things about yourself in return.

You must lie sometimes but be prepared to get caught—because lies don’t stay hidden for long.

Don’t regret too much about what has already happened. If you keep walking while looking back, you will bump into a lamppost.

On love, separation, affection, sexuality, kissing, jobs, wealth—he has written many amusing yet truthful short lines. For our talkativeness, he has written a few suitable lines: Never speak unless it is absolutely necessary. When you do speak, be as brief and to the point as possible. Don’t chatter just to show off. No one likes to hear your political speeches in elevators, buses, or trains. At any party, you will notice that everyone gathers around the person who quietly listens but does not talk much himself.

The book is very entertaining. I don’t know whether my common sense has increased, but I enjoyed reading it—and I felt good after finishing it.

 

Book: The Little Book of Common Sense

By Terry Wogan

Published by Orion, London, 2014.