Do you believe that life is something that happens to you, as opposed to an experience that should be lived to its fullest potential? Or, do you know someone who holds this belief? If so, then this book is for you.
David Anderson breaks down the use and misuse of the term Common Sense, as well as techniques that can be applied to everyday life. Leveraging his background in comedy and entertainment, he unapologetically shares his experiences and philosophies. Filled with powerful quotes from some of our greatest thinkers and entertainers, the book explores the beauty of mankind’s achievements, as well as the ugliness of its bad decisions. David shows how both the beauty and ugliness tie back to the application (or misapplication) of “Common Sense.” Learn how to master Common Sense and reach your dreams.
- Exercise the Common Sense muscle
- Set your imagination free
- Defeat the Doubt Monster
- Take back the power given to obstacles
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Choose advisors based on qualifications (not DNA)
- Capitalize on discoveries
- Make the “impossible” possible
Excerpt
Ever have your parents tell you not to play ball in the house? Remember the statement that always followed? You’ll break something. Like most 10 year old boys, I heard that a lot. Did I listen? No. I learned that lesson that hard way. I can still see it in slow motion, the ball, the impact, my mother’s favorite lamp falling before I could reach it, and the terrible sound of it breaking apart. Staring at the shattered porcelain, I came to the unsettling realization that my ass was grass and Edythe was the lawnmower.
I sat on the edge of the couch, dreadfully awaiting my mother’s impending arrival. When she finally arrived, it only took one glance. The picture I made, sitting there with my head in my hands next to a conspicuously empty end table, pretty much told the story. After explaining, I admitted that I had no business playing in the house. I also told her how sorry I was and that it was an accident. I was both paralyzed with fear and severely disappointed in myself for hurting my mother. Tears already streaming down my face, I braced for impact.
Instead of tanning my hide immediately, my mother went upstairs, put on some comfortable clothes, and returned to the living room. I still couldn’t look her in the eyes. She sat down next to me, lifted my head and said, “Look at me.” Reluctantly, I opened my eyes and faced her. My mother must have taken pity on me because she wiped my tears and made me blow my nose before she began to deliver my punishment.
“Accidents don’t happen, they are caused,” she stated. At this moment I defended myself as if my life depended on it. “Mom”, I implored, “I swear I would’ve never broken your lamp on purpose. I didn’t mean to! It was an accident!” My mother, more amused than she was angry, began to clarify her statement so that I could understand. “Honey,” she said, “If you weren’t playing ball in the house, the lamp wouldn’t have been broken. People use the word ‘accident’ to absolve themselves of personal responsibility. You didn’t intend to break the lamp, but you still caused it to break.”
For some reason, my mother took pity on me and mercifully docked my allowance until I paid off the cost of replacing the lamp. I guess she decided that I had punished myself enough. She didn’t see a reason to compound the pain I felt in my heart with a spanking. While writing this book, I reminded my mother about this very incident. Neither of us remembered what the lamp looked like, or if it was ever replaced. I do, however, remember the lesson. And that, my friends, is much more important to my mother.
The dictionary3 defines the word accident as “an unexpected event, especially one resulting in damage.” Some of its synonyms are calamity, casualty, disaster, and hazard. Its antonyms are intent,necessity, plan, and provision. Wow! Even after having learned the lesson, I had to take a moment to process that! It’s like my mother said, it doesn’t matter whether I intended to break the lamp or not, damage was caused. All accidents are unnecessary and can be prevented by careful planning and preparation. A corollary to that rule is that there are no “accidental victims.”
Praise for Common Sense Ain’t Common
It’s a shame that nature did not provide everyone with one additional sense-Common. This book gets people one step closer to developing the common sense they sadly weren’t blessed with.
- Charlamagne Tha God, Morning Show Host, “The Breakfast Club” Power 105.1 NYC
David Anderson’s Common Sense Ain’t Common is a thought provoking, “Real” perspective on life and life’s lessons. David’s personality shines through! Raw but warm. Live, learn & laugh!
- Lisa Wu, Entrepreneur, Actress and Author
In the hallways of impactful people and men who guide the culture, David Anderson is a force to be wreckoned with. He brings knowledge substance and excitement to the forefront.
- STAR, Host of the Star & BucWild Morning Show
David Anderson participates in and facilitates discussions that cover all aspects of our community. From music to comedy to religion to social media, he gets it how he lives. This book is not just important because of the content, but because of the messenger who delivers it.
- Talib Kweli (Hip-Hop Artist/Activist)
David Anderson is speaking frankly from his heart and spirit when he tells us Common Sense Ain’t Common. Anyone who has lived more than 25 years should know that, but David breaks it down. Thank God for the love and guidance of his passionate mom, David, not an expert but a liver of life, shares common sense tidbits that we should live by. I enjoyed reading and even had to check myself a few times.
- Terri J. Vaughn, Actress, Writer, Philanthropist
You cannot Go Around Life’s Obstacles
Life is like a video game; you do not get to move on to the next level until you complete this one. Some of us attempt to move on without concurring the current level. Whether that level is High School, College or your Professional endeavors you have to finish the task at hand before you move on. My friend David has done just that with this book, and now on to the next level. What are you going to do? Much love and peace to you
- Rodney Perry – Comedian and Co-Host of the Monique Show on BET
Common sense is a ‘mental muscle’ that must be exercised or it becomes flaccid, leading to lame decision making. The application of common sense fortifies our thoughts allowing for purposeful action. David uses his personal stories and other comical experiences to build a solid foundation with this principal in this book.
- Fonzworth Bentley – Musician and Author of Advance Your Swagger: How To Use Manners, Confidence and Style to Get Ahead
This is a great book that you should read! Honestly I lack common sense (Yeah, I admit it), but I can wire up an entire building with phone and computer networks so eh? I guess it balances out for me!I’m sure you’ll learn something from Common Sense Ain’t Common It’s an Intriguing book David! Your mom sounds like one of the Greats!
- Free, TV Personality, Writer, Entertainer
“This book is a must read. It dares to push us beyond the break, and encourages us to grab hold onto something deeper. This book definitely challenges the reader to Dream Bigger”
- Tony A. Gaskins Jr. Author/Life Coach
“David Anderson is a fun and motivational character with a unique voice all his own. Be drawn into his world and you may learn a thing or two. This is not your daddy’s motivational book. This author knows how to speak to his audience and you can believe that they will be listening.”
- Abiola Abrams, Author, TV Big Mouth & Media Personality
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I heard you speak on 102Jamz and was captivated! The words you spoke are so similar to the ones I try to instill in my students. I would love to have you speak to my students. I WILL be purchasing your book so that I will have support in what I am trying to get across.
Thanks for your literary effort.
Lee Pierre