Conventional Wisdom: What It Means And When To Use It

The term had been used before to describe commonplace knowledge in positive or neutral terms. For Galbraith, conventional wisdom was something that interfered with the adoption of new ideas. So, what is conventional wisdom exactly, and are there times when it’s helpful?

Definition of conventional wisdom

Conventional wisdom refers to all the commonplace ideas and expert opinions that are typically accepted as true. This is the wisdom that most people agree on and use to make everyday decisions about their lives. When new ideas are introduced, they’re usually compared to conventional wisdom on the subject before they’re considered to be true.

Generally accepted ideas

Generally accepted ideas are ideas that most people think are true. This public aspect of consensus often keeps people committed to conventional ideas. Many people don’t want to be labeled as being unreasonable or downright foolish for going against what the majority thinks.

Expert opinions

Expert opinions can also be called “conventional wisdom” if they refer to long-established ideas generally accepted within a field of study. New ideas don’t come easily within most major institutions, yet experts may have new ideas or cling to old ones. It’s the expert’s education and experience in the subject matter that lends credence to their ideas and puts them in the category of conventional wisdom.

Is conventional wisdom accurate?

Conventional wisdom is generally accepted, but it may or may not be accurate.

Conventional wisdom and its accuracy can depend on the situation and circumstances. You may say that politicians lie, and that may be true on many occasions. However, politicians also tell the truth, so that bit of conventional wisdom isn’t enough to tell you what’s really happening in the political sphere, and it may not apply to all politicians.

Is conventional wisdom consistent over time?

Conventional wisdom is usually very slow to change. However, as research, expert opinions, and public opinions change, it eventually adds up to progress in the course of conventional wisdom. There was a time when conventional wisdom said a woman’s place was in the home; however, over the course of long decades, change has happened. Now, it isn’t unusual to see men occupying less-traditional roles, such as staying home and taking care of children, and women occupying fields that were traditionally populated by men (STEM fields are a prime example). Alternatively, both partners in a relationship often work nowadays, and this is commonly accepted over one person or the other being the “bread-winner.”

Sometimes, change comes faster, though. Consider the treatment of juvenile diabetes before the use of insulin. Conventional wisdom said that the disease was a death sentence. Yet, when doctors began using insulin, children with the condition got better and could often live a long, relatively healthy life.

Where you can find conventional wisdom

You can find conventional wisdom no matter where you go. In your everyday life, you likely rely on conventional wisdom when you’re making all the countless decisions of an ordinary day. You might consider what it would be like to weigh new ideas each time you moved or had a thought. You probably wouldn’t get much accomplished with that kind of overthinking. 

You can also find conventional wisdom in all major areas of human inquiry. No matter what you study, you have to learn long-held knowledge before you can understand the new ideas that aren’t yet established. While some people in higher education spend a lot of time refuting conventional wisdom, their whole system relies on the body of generally agreed-upon knowledge.

Many institutions rely heavily on established ideas that have seemed to stand the test of time. Ordinary knowledge is used extensively in politics to appeal to ordinary people. In economics, the force of common perceptions about what is true can have a strong bearing on what actually happens. Religion and even family are often very firmly rooted in tradition and convention. Most industries and businesses have their own conventional wisdom that makes up a large part of their unique body of knowledge.

What conventional wisdom means in medicine

The medical community uses research to find new information about health and illness and is constantly seeking to advance knowledge in the medical field. Doctors also learn individually through their own clinical experience, yet underneath all the innovation is a basis of firmly held ideas that could be considered conventional wisdom.

Doctors tend to try standard treatments before they move on to new techniques, medications, and surgeries. Insurance companies often insist that doctors exhaust all traditional treatments before they resort to new treatments. When doctors rely on conventional wisdom first, people see beneficial results more often than not.

Conventional western medicine relies mostly on surgery, pharmaceutical drugs, and physical therapy. However, it’s becoming more and more common for doctors to use complementary and alternative treatments along with the conventional ones.

Examples of conventional wisdom

Below are some examples of conventional wisdom in everyday life within the major institutions of society. As you look through this list, remember that it’s a list of commonly accepted ideas and not necessarily a list of truths. Truth is usually much more difficult to discern, and some of these may ring true for you while others may not. Also, remember that what’s conventional wisdom one day may be outdated the next.

Government, politics, and the legal system

• The purpose of government is to serve the people.
• Politicians lie.
• Laws keep people honest.
• The courts defend people from injustice.

Education

• Children should do homework every night.
• Teachers are responsible for their students’ success.
• Boys are naturally better at STEM subjects than girls are.
• Students must study to make good grades.
• The textbook is always right.

Economic

• Everyone should save money for retirement.
• A major economic loss is always unacceptable.
• When you buy stocks is more important than what stocks you buy.
• Something you pay for is more valuable than something you receive for free.

Family

• Parents shouldn’t divorce.
• Children should be defended from all risks.
• A clean home is a happy home.
• Family vacations bring family closer.

Religion

• Those who sin are doomed.
• You must believe the written word of the religion literally.
• Feeling guilty makes you a better person.

When is conventional wisdom helpful?

Conventional wisdom isn’t always helpful, but it can be beneficial in certain ways. Here are some of the situations where it might be the best wisdom to rely on:

• When you don’t have time to come up with or learn about new ideas
• When you need everyone to agree
• When you’ve considered many ideas and found the conventional idea to be truest
• When you need to get something done in an institution that’s resistant to change
• When your need to fit in is greater than any other need

What’s the alternative to conventional wisdom?

The general public has certain ideas that everyone mostly accepts. You can go with those ideas and get along fairly well in most cases. However, thinking for yourself may bring its own rewards. You may be able to do something no one thought you could do. You might be able to live a better, more fulfilling life if you push the boundaries of what others consider as acceptable. 

There are three main alternatives to conventional wisdom: new ideas, unpopular ideas, and irrational ideas. If you like new ideas, you can follow research and current theories about the subjects that interest you.

Perhaps you feel an old idea has been passed over without proper consideration. You can read what experts say about it and think about why the public has dismissed the idea to come to your own conclusion.

Sometimes, though, irrational thinking disguises itself as innovating or reconsidering old ideas. You may think you’re onto a magnificent truth that no one else understands. However, it could be that you’re not approaching the situation entirely logically.

Illogical thinking can happen when you’re desperate for a better solution than conventional wisdom offers you. It can also happen when your emotions are extreme, or you may have a mental condition that keeps you from thinking clearly.

What to do when conventional wisdom seems false

Conventional wisdom, as mentioned before, may or may not be true, yet when you go against conventional wisdom, you may experience consequences that can include social ostracism, job loss, and fractured relationships.

If you’re unsure about whether your own thoughts are rational, the best way to find out is to talk to someone who understands the process of thought development. You can learn to assess your thoughts and identify where they came from. Then, if you aren’t happy with your thoughts, you can learn to choose new thoughts and perspectives that are more helpful for you.

You might find a variety of people with whom to discuss your ideas. One opportunity you have is to talk to a licensed counselor at BetterHelp. You can engage in online therapy at a time that works best for you.

BetterHelp has benefitted many people. For example, one study found that people who used BetterHelp experienced a significant decrease in the severity of depression symptoms.A 10-year study conducted by the University of Amsterdam found that an average of only 18% of clients using online therapy drop out before therapy is completed. This contrasts with between 50 and 65% of in-person therapy users, another study found.

These low dropout rates can be attributed to several advantages of online therapy. First and foremost, this includes flexibility and convenience. Since sessions can be held anytime, anywhere via phone call, video chat, instant messaging, or live voice recording, the therapy is more readily available to a wider range of people, including those who live rurally. Additionally, online therapy tends to be more discreet, as there is no need to go to a physical office – sessions can be held from your own home!