“Cogito ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am) – with these three Latin words, René Descartes, renowned as the father of modern philosophy, proved his own existence in his Discourse on Method in 1637.  With this work, the ancient idea of skepticism was revived, calling into question all that is not incontrovertible and providing the methodological foundation from which all modern natural sciences could evolve.

Over a century later, faced with Bishop George Berkeley’s theory of the non-existence of matter, Dr. Samuel Johnson, the noted English essayist and lexicographer, contradicted Berkeley’s philosophy in a more mundane way.  According to Dr. Johnson’s biographer James Boswell – during a discussion of Bishop Berkeley’s theory following a church service, Dr. Johnson kicked a heavy stone with his boot and exclaimed “I refute it thus.”

In the intervening centuries, skepticism has become a mainstay of scientific inquiry and of a disbelieving public.  But, what does it mean to be a skeptic in today’s world?  For many, the word “skeptic” has a negative connotation.  These people view skeptics as nay-sayers, as people who view the glass as “half-empty.”  While skepticism is a source of annoyance to those who wish to rush forward with their respective projects, programs, and actions, the skeptic provides needed perspective and a “cooling off period” averting potential adverse results from the implementation of ill-advised, poorly-planned programs.  Questioning everything, the modern skeptic analyzes all facets of issues in question and arrives at reasoned, sensible conclusions.

Often relying on “common sense,” there is nothing common about the sensibilities and reasoning of the modern skeptic.  Although perhaps not as erudite as René Descartes, the skeptic of today does not need to ponder weighty philosophical issues to select the most beneficial real world scenario.  Like Dr. Samuel Johnson, he can apply basic analytical tools and a healthy dose of common sense to parse and resolve vexing issues. 

What follows is purported to have been a London Times obituary.  It has been circulated on the Internet, and its actual source and authorship are, to my knowledge, unknown.  Nonetheless, I believe that, in its humorous way, it serves as a commentary on modern-day human behavior.  The text of the “obituary,” edited for purposes of this publication, is as follows:

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, “Common Sense,” who has been with us for many years.  No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.  He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- knowing when to come in out of the rain;

- the early bird gets the worm;

- life isn’t always fair; and

- maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.  Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student, but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. 

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot.  She spilled a little in her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, “Truth” and “Trust,” by his wife, “Discretion,” by his daughter, “Responsibility,” and by his son, “Reason.”

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers – “I Know My Rights,” “I Want It Now,” “Someone Else Is To Blame,” and “I’m A Victim.”

Not many attended his funeral, because so few realized he was gone.  If you still remember him, pass this on.  If not, join the majority and do nothing.