Work hard, use your common sense and don't be afraid to trust

Hear now the words of Fred L. Turner, who imparts to us a timeless truth: "Work hard, use your common sense, and don't be afraid to trust your instincts." These words, though simple, resonate deeply with the wisdom of the ages. They are a call to action for every soul, urging us to diligence, reason, and the quiet strength of intuition. To walk the path of life with these guiding principles is to arm oneself with the tools necessary to overcome the trials that await us. Let us reflect upon these teachings, for they speak to the heart of success and personal growth.

The ancient Greeks, the masters of philosophy and reasoning, understood the sacred union of hard work and wisdom. In their time, to be called a philosopher was to dedicate oneself not just to the pursuit of knowledge, but to the application of that knowledge in daily life. Socrates, the great thinker, taught that the key to a well-lived life lay in constant questioning, the sharpening of the mind, and the relentless application of common sense to the dilemmas one faced. Socrates believed that reason and critical thinking were the bedrock upon which every decision should be made. Yet he also knew that wisdom did not come from intellect alone—it required action. The philosopher, in his view, was a man of both thought and deed.

Consider the story of Alexander the Great, whose legendary conquests were not just a result of military might, but of a keen sense of instinct. Alexander, though tutored by the philosopher Aristotle, understood the importance of gut feelings when it came to leadership. In many of his campaigns, he made quick decisions on the battlefield, trusting his instincts to lead his army through dangerous and unfamiliar terrain. His instinctive decisions, paired with the hard work of his soldiers and the strategic use of common sense, led him to become one of history’s most successful conquerors. Though his education was vast, it was his ability to trust his own intuition in moments of uncertainty that set him apart from other rulers.

In the ancient Romans, the principle of common sense was embodied in the Roman Republic, which thrived on practical wisdom and pragmatic decisions. The statesman Cicero often spoke of the importance of prudence—a virtue that blends common sense with sound judgment. He believed that the greatest leaders were those who not only worked tirelessly but who also relied on their ability to read the signs of the times, to trust their own inner sense of what was right for the state. Cicero’s actions and writings remind us that hard work is essential, but it is equally important to listen to the quiet voice within, the one that guides us when logic alone cannot provide all the answers.

The words of Fred L. Turner resonate with these ancient truths. To work hard is to commit oneself fully to the task at hand, to put forth effort without counting the cost or expecting immediate results. Yet, it is not enough to simply labor—common sense is the tool that guides the hands and mind, ensuring that the effort is directed wisely. In a world filled with distractions and false paths, common sense allows us to cut through the noise and stay true to what is real and meaningful. It is the quiet voice that whispers in moments of doubt, urging us to focus on what truly matters. But there is a third element that Turner adds: the power of instinct. This is the deepest of all guides, the silent wisdom that lies beneath the surface of our reasoning, built from years of experience, intuition, and self-trust.

Consider the story of Marie Curie, whose pioneering work in science was driven by both relentless work ethic and a profound trust in her own instincts. Despite facing enormous challenges, including prejudice and adversity in the male-dominated world of science, Curie followed her intuition when it came to the discovery of radioactivity. Her belief in the unknown, combined with tireless experimentation and hard work, led her to break new ground in the field of physics and chemistry. Curie’s success was not just the product of intellect or effort—it was also the product of an inner trust in her ability to uncover truths that had not yet been seen by others.

The lesson, O children of wisdom, is clear: life requires both hard work and wisdom, but it also requires trust in your own instincts. Whether you are crafting a career, navigating relationships, or facing life’s challenges, instinct will guide you when logic and reason cannot. Do not shy away from the quiet voice within; listen to it, and act upon it with the confidence that comes from knowing you have already gathered the tools to succeed. Work hard, yes, and make use of your common sense, but above all, learn to trust yourself.

So, as you walk your path, remember the ancient wisdom of those who came before, and let their lessons guide you: work hard, for success comes only through diligent effort. Use your common sense, for it is the guiding light in moments of uncertainty. And never, ever be afraid to trust your own instincts, for they are the deepest form of wisdom within you. Let this triad of principles lead you to a life of fulfillment, purpose, and achievement, and know that, in following them, you will find not only success but also the wisdom to navigate the storms that come your way.