I see the great continuities in New Zealand history as being decency and common sense and up until now when we’ve confronted these things we’ve been able to talk them through, and I’m sure we will with this issue as well.

Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.

We may always depend on it that algebra, which cannot be translated into good English and sound common sense, is bad algebra.

Common sense varies among the young, as among the old.

Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes.

Common sense is compelled to make its way without the enthusiasm of anyone.

We must return optimism to our parenting. To focus on the joys, not the hassles; the love, not the disappointments; the common sense, not the complexities.

Common sense, in so far as it exists, is all for the bourgeoisie. Nonsense is the privilege of the aristocracy. The worries of the world are for the common people.

Taste is the common sense of genius.

I am confident that, in the end, common sense and justice will prevail. I’m an optimist, brought up on the belief that if you wait to the end of the story, you get to see the good people live happily ever after.