Use Your Common Sense Day
Use Your Common Sense Day is celebrated annually on November 4th. This day encourages people to tap into their natural reasoning skills, think practically, and make sound decisions in their daily lives. The holiday was established to remind us of the importance of relying on common sense in a world that can often be filled with complex issues and endless information. Common sense is one of the most practical skills for navigating life’s challenges, enhancing relationships, and staying grounded in fast-paced, complex environments. Use Your Common Sense Day is a reminder to slow down, think logically, and make thoughtful decisions that positively impact yourself and those around you.
Here are some significant historical events, notable birthdays, and observances associated with November 4th:
Major Historical Events on November 4
1842 – Abraham Lincoln marries Mary Todd: Future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd in Springfield, Illinois. Their marriage would endure through Lincoln’s rise to political prominence and the challenges of the Civil War.
1922 – Discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb: British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the entrance to Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings, one of the most intact ancient Egyptian tombs ever found. The discovery sparked global interest in Egyptology.
1952 – Dwight D. Eisenhower elected as U.S. President: Eisenhower, a World War II hero, won the U.S. presidential election in a landslide victory, becoming the 34th President of the United States and serving two terms during a period of post-war prosperity.
1979 – Iran Hostage Crisis begins: Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage, initiating a 444-day standoff that impacted U.S.-Iran relations profoundly.
1995 – Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin assassinated: Rabin was shot at a peace rally in Tel Aviv by an extremist opposed to his efforts to negotiate peace with the Palestinians. His assassination was a major shock and setback for peace efforts in the Middle East.
2008 – Barack Obama elected as U.S. President: Obama became the first African American to be elected as President of the United States, a historic moment that marked a major milestone in U.S. history and inspired people worldwide.
Famous Birthdays on November 4th
1879 – Will Rogers: American humorist, actor, and social commentator, Rogers was known for his wit, charm, and observations on American society. His humor continues to be celebrated as insightful and enduring.
1916 – Walter Cronkite: Celebrated American broadcast journalist and anchor for CBS Evening News, Cronkite was known as “the most trusted man in America” for his reliable and honest reporting during critical events like the Vietnam War and the Apollo moon landing.
1946 – Laura Bush: Former First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush is known for her advocacy for literacy, education, and health initiatives.
1961 – Ralph Macchio: American actor best known for his role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid series and its popular continuation, Cobra Kai.
1969 – Matthew McConaughey: Academy Award-winning American actor known for his roles in films such as Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar, and True Detective.
1972 – Luis Figo: Portuguese retired professional footballer, considered one of the greatest of his generation, Figo was known for his exceptional skills and his controversial transfer from FC Barcelona to Real Madrid.
Significant Deaths on November 4
1847 – Felix Mendelssohn: German composer, pianist, and conductor of the early Romantic period, Mendelssohn is known for works like the Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Violin Concerto in E minor. His compositions remain highly regarded in classical music.
1924 – Gabriel Fauré: French composer, organist, pianist, and teacher, Fauré is known for his Requiem, songs like Après un rêve, and piano pieces such as Pavane. His work influenced many later composers, bridging the Romantic and modern eras in music.
1968 – Michel Maury-Laribière: A French military officer, Laribière was a decorated war hero who served during both World Wars. His career is remembered for acts of bravery and contributions to military strategy.
1982 – Jacques Tati: French filmmaker, actor, and screenwriter, Tati was known for his unique comedic style and his iconic character, Monsieur Hulot. His films, like Playtime and Mon Oncle, are considered masterpieces of visual comedy and satire.
1982 – Dominique Dunne: American actress best known for her role in the movie Poltergeist, Dunne tragically passed away at the age of 22 after an attack by her ex-boyfriend, a crime that received widespread media attention.
1995 – Yitzhak Rabin: Israeli Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Rabin was assassinated in Tel Aviv following a peace rally. Known for his efforts toward achieving peace between Israel and Palestine, his assassination marked a significant moment in Israeli history.
2008 – Michael Crichton: American author, screenwriter, and filmmaker, Crichton was known for his best-selling science fiction and thriller novels, including Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, and Congo. His works often explored themes of science, technology, and human nature.
2011 – Andy Rooney: American radio and television writer, Rooney was best known for his weekly segment “A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney” on the CBS show 60 Minutes. His witty and often curmudgeonly commentary made him a beloved figure in American media.
2020 – Ken Hensley: English musician, songwriter, and producer, Hensley was best known as a keyboardist and guitarist for the rock band Uriah Heep. His contributions helped define the sound of 1970s rock music, especially in the progressive and hard rock genres.
