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
Act by the Plumb | How Freemasonry builds upright men [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:56
In order for a structure to be soundly built, it has to rest upon a solid level foundation. Otherwise, the higher it rises, the more unstable it becomes. In Freemasonry, we stand before our Brothers as an Upright Man and…
Meeting on the Level | Sitting at separate tables [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:19
What does it mean to meet on the level? It means that regardless of your economic, social, or religious background when you meet with other Brothers, you are equals. As Freemasons, we are called to regard the entirety of…
Masonic Travels | Are you a Traveling Man [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:09
What do Masons get out of traveling Masonically. In other words, what does a Freemason gain from visiting other Lodges and other Masonic Jurisdictions in their travels. The short answer is, A LOT! On this episode of The…
Masonic Lodge Meetings | What to avoid and improve [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:02
Our stated meetings don't have a reputation for being the most amazing in the world. Honestly, sometimes our meetings resemble more a HOA meeting than anything else. But it doesn't have to be that way. Our Fraternity has…
Where have I been? | Did I leave Freemasonry? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:00
Hey Juan, where have you been? You may have been wondering why hasn't there been an episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast in such a long time. Did I hang up my Masonic Apron? Did I turn in my Masonic Regalia…
Masonic Education | Start Small [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:32
Mentioned in this episode: 6 Tips to improve your Lodge's Masonic Education Join our Applied Freemasonry program. Support for The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast This program is made possible in part by the generous s…
Freemasonry Down Under | The Lost Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:12
Freemasonry Down Under | The Uniqueness of Australian Masonry Freemasonry down under may be slightly different than what you may think. The structure of the organization is very interesting in a way that allows for the r…
A Freemason and a Gentleman | 3 easy tips to really make a difference [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:27
Is a Freemason a Gentleman? It is said that Freemasonry takes good men and makes them better. When applied effectively, any man who follows the tenets of Freemasonry will begin to resemble more and more what we call a ge…
Amity and Beyond | Tech in Freemasonry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:55
Have you ever been traveling and thought to yourself "I wonder if there is a Lodge nearby."? Don't you wish that you knew which Lodges are near you, when they meet, and if they are in amity with your Grand Lodge? Well, i…
Illuminati Mysteries Revealed | A Conversation with Bro. Josef Wages [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:57
Although pop culture has a very twisted idea of what The Order of the Illuminati really is or was, there is scholarly work being done today by prominent historian and researchers. Fortunately, some of these professionals…