There’s a common knowledge story kicked around about “The Triple Filters Test.” Sometimes it involves Socrates and other times it involves an Arab scholar, but the truth of the story is the same. Here it is:
In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem.
One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, “Do you know what I just heard about your friend?”
Hold on a minute,” Socrates replied. “Before telling me anything, I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Triple Filter Test.”
Triple filter?”
That’s right,” Socrates continued. “Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you’re going to say. That’s why I call it the triple filter test.
The first filter is TRUTH. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?”
No,” the man said, “actually I just heard about it and…”
All right,” said Socrates. “So you don’t really know if it’s true or not. Now let’s try the second filter, the filter of GOODNESS. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?”
No, on the contrary…”
So,” Socrates continued, “you want to tell me something bad about him, but you’re not certain it’s true. You may still pass the test though, because there’s one filter left: the filter of USEFULNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?”
No, not really.”
Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?”
Most people leave it at that and assume that the story is just about the information we spread. The real truth behind it, however, is about the information we seek and create.
Imagine how different the world would be if we only chose to seek or create information that was true, good, or useful. Those of you who have been reading this blog for a bit can probably figure out that it’s the test that I’ve been using the whole time.
This article was featured in The Fourth Edition of the Carnival of Improving Life.
Photo credit: Lauren
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This. Is. Brilliant. BRILLIANT. I’ve never heard this before, but this is probably the most useful advice I’ve heard in years – possibly ever. Philosophy is not a sedentary science. The theatre world I work in is tightly knit, and extremely vulnerable to gossip – armed with this, I can make it a little less incestuous and harmful. Thank you. If I needed a reason to keep reading this (which I didn’t), this is it.
Good message. But not all people are Socrates, who only accepts news with those filters on.
A close read on tabloids and instantly we know that people absolutely love writing or reading about things that are neither true, useful or good. How pathethic the society is!
But again, its a good message. What good is a news if it isnt true or useful?
I remembered this story. It was told to my by my arts class teacher somewhat 15 years ago. Thank You for reminding!
I love this post. Very inspiring!
But does that mean I pass the test if I tell you something that is true, but negative and not useful? Because that sounds like the news and too many conversations I don’t want to be a prt of either.
Charlie, this post is just what I love to read. Short(ish), uplifting and powerful. Good job.
Kelly@SHE-POWER’s last blog post..SHE-POWER Fiction: Mama?s Girls
interesting. i’ve never heard of this before.
Jenny’s last blog post..?Tis The Season To Enjoy Some Mommy Time
??only chose to seek or create information that was true, good, or useful.?
I will use this as a guide in my blogging adventure.
Thanks Charlie, I look forward to more unearthing of ancient wisdom / philosophy from you.
MonkMojo’s last blog post..Rock Bottom and Beyond
@ Ben: Aw shucks, you’re gonna give me a big head! I’m glad you found it helpful. Why is it, though, that thespians forget that they can perform drama on stage and leave it there?
@ Jenz: Socrates we need not be to practice his wisdom. And I’m with you in that I wonder who buys tabloids and why they do. Why buy lies, slander, and useless information?
By the way, good insights on your “The dangers of dreaming” post. I look forward to seeing your future posts!
@ Simon: It’s one of those stories that somehow gets preserved through various channels in different societies – I’m glad that it is, too. Truth and Beauty lovers of the world, unite! (And don’t forget the pragmatists…)
@ Kelly: You’re right – that is the news?! Maybe we should add the disclaimer: “if you wouldn’t want to be a part of it, don’t spread it.” Kind of like the Golden Rule combined with the Triple Filters Test..it’s the Golden Triple Filter Test. Thanks for the commentary and support, Kelly!
@ Monk Mojo: From what I’ve seen on your blog, you’re already following it. Any correlation between your post “Rock Bottom” and me “unearthing” wisdom? Interesting correlation in earth metaphors…
@ Charlie: Any resemblance to real metaphors, living or dead is purely coincidental. Additionally: All models are over 18 years of age.
MonkMojo’s last blog post..Rock Bottom and Beyond
I like this. I’d like to use it in group, just to give the kids something to think about. Although, I think if everyone used these filters, it would be a very silent world.
Bloggrrl’s last blog post..Writing a Novel Every Month
@ Bloggrrl: I’d take peaceful silence over the clammer of discord anyday. But we’re going to gab, so maybe we’d start helping and praising instead? I know, I know, Lennon said it in “Imagine” – but it is easy to imagine if you try…
Good one, Charlie. It’s similar to the teaching in Islam against gossip, equating it to “eating the flesh of your dead brother.” Ugh. Kinda gross, but it gets the point across, that gossip is more destructive and dangerous that it appears.
Thanks for reposting it.
.-= Mark Silver´s last blog ..In Which Promotion Happens on the Blog =-.
Very intriguing. But what can you really declare is the truth? Because you can’t really, *really* know anything for sure, right?