Prudence | A better name for common sense

Prudence | A better name for common sense

Author: Juan Sepulveda May 19, 2013 Duration: 33:08
I In my search for light, I have found why "common sense" is so rare  am sure that you have heard the expression "common sense". I am also sure that by now you have probably noticed that there is nothing common about common sense.and why we should use the word "PRUDENCE" instead. I suggest we first look at prudence by exploring various definitions of the word. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, prudence is defined as: 1: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason 2: sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs 3: skill and good judgment in the use of resources 4: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk When looking carefully at the first definition, we encounter the words govern and discipline, in reference to oneself. In other words, prudence is a person's ability to exercise self control in their decision making process. Through the use of reason, we are able to become better decision makers, especially when we are disciplined and controlled. I can't help to think of government when I read the portion of the aforementioned definition which says "Govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason". If we think of the non-political aspects of Governments, we can describe it as the development, implementation and revision of rules and regulations, with the intent of creating and preserving order in society. Likewise, when we govern ourselves, we should dedicate time to learn from our life experience and the lessons shared by others, to create rules and regulations to follow in order to implement and preserve an orderly life. In other words, you should look at the various scenarios you live through and attempt to develop your own set of rules on how to act in said circumstances. If you have these predetermined solutions to possible future conflicts, the probability of a satisfactory outcome when facing these hypothetical scenarios in real life, is increased. I compare this to the professional fighters of mixed martial arts, a multidisciplinary fighting style, who before entering the ring (or octagon) prepare for the fight by studying the various responses he is to implement when presented with specific sets of circumstances. A well rounded fighter would have enough experience in stand-up combat like kickboxing; enough experience in wrestling or judo to bring their opponent to the ground or resist being taken down and would have floor work experience like that provided by Jiu Jitsu. Each one of these examples of individual martial art styles have a vast number of moves for which their opponent needs to have a counter measure or defense. The greater the experience or knowledge in these various fighting disciplines, the better the chances the fighter has to at a moments notice, make the right moves to gain an advantage in the fight. This is the way we should look at Prudence. When we think of the possible scenarios we may face in life, or analyse those which we have already encountered, we can decide on what our reaction will be if we face those scenarios in the future. If this is the strategy we adopt, then by the time we enter the octagon of life and face our most feared contender, we have a fighting chance at a victory,  because we have prepared ourselves and envisioned our possible offensive and defensive strategy. On this episode of The Winding Stairs you can hear another installment of Masonic Conspiracies by Brother Robert Johnson from Whence Came You? Podcast. This time, he explores conspiracies about Draconian, Reptilian Entities bend on global domination through the implementation of secret societies. Yes, there are people out there that believe this is what we are about. I invite you to head over to Whence Came You? Podcast and enjoy the great content about Famous Freemason, Short Masonic Papers and Inspiring Stories from our Fraternity. If you are on Twitter, make sure to follow @WhenceCameYou Question of the Day:

Curiosity about Freemasonry often leads to a tangle of myths, history, and symbolism. The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast untangles that knot, offering a clear path for understanding. Hosted by Master Mason Juan Sepulveda, this series moves beyond the popular secrecy tropes to explore the fraternity's genuine role as a centuries-old system for personal development. Each episode feels like a thoughtful conversation, examining how Masonic principles and rituals have quietly influenced society and history while focusing on their core purpose: transforming a good individual into a better one. You'll hear discussions that delve into philosophical concepts, historical contexts, and the practical application of Masonic teachings in everyday life. This isn't just for members; it's crafted for anyone drawn to the study of self-improvement and the enduring questions about life's purpose. The podcast provides a grounded perspective, explaining what the journey actually entails and how its timeless lessons on character, ethics, and community remain profoundly relevant. By listening, you gain an insider's viewpoint from a practicing Mason dedicated to sharing knowledge, making the often-misunderstood world of Freemasonry accessible and meaningful.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 79

The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast | Created by a Freemason for those interested in the Study of Freemasonry and the Art of Self Improvement
Podcast Episodes
Politics and Religion in Freemasonry with The Traveling Brothers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:48
Politics and Religion are a prohibited topic inside a Masonic Lodge during their meetings. But why? It is no mystery that the topics of Politics and Religion can be incendiary and cause a lot of conflict among people. Bu…
Inconsistency in Freemasonry | Does it help or hinder? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:47
How can we maintain consistency in Freemasonry? inconsistency in Freemasonry is a major problem when it interferes with the onboarding of new candidates, when it provides an inconsistent experience for its members, and w…
Masonic Membership Decline [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:25
What's behind this Masonic Membership Decline and what can we do about it? Fraternal orders and non-profit organizations have seen a steady decline in membership and participation over the last few decades. If you are fa…
Building Awareness about Freemasonry- AJAR 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:09
Masonic Membership has been in decline over the past half century and finding the reasons and formulating solutions for that decline becomes an ever-increasing priority in our circles. In this series (Ep.1/4), we will di…
Lodge Visitation | Masonic Credentials, Recognition, and Technology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:33
Lodge visitation is one of the greatest perks you have as a Freemason. As a Master Mason, you are entitled to visit other Masonic Lodges around the world. That means, that despite not knowing anyone in another country, y…
Don't be a CircumPunk | Masonic Self Control [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:17
I believe that Freemasonry has benefited greatly from the connectivity that the Internet has provided. Today, curious people from around the globe, who once only heard sporadically about this organization, can do a littl…
Masonic cave degree tennessee 2022 | Masonic Traveling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:45
The cave degree in tennessee is a Master Mason Degree performed inside a natural cave in the mountains of Tennessee. Brothers from all over the country (and other countries) travel to Kingston Tennessee every year to tak…
Investigation Committee in Freemasonry | Guarding the West Gate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:28
What's the role of the investigation committee in Freemasonry? How is the Masonic investigation committee formed and what do they do to protect the Lodge and the Craft? In this episode of The Winding Stairs, we discuss t…