Socrates, the great Philosopher in Ancient Greece was famous for many things, among them, holding knowledge in high esteem.
One day, a friend told Socrates, “I heard something intriguing about our friend. I can’t wait to tell you.”
Socrates said to his friend, “Wait a minute. I want us to put what you want to tell me about our friend through the three-filter test. This is a test that you should always do before talking about something or others (gossiping).”
Socrates continued, “The First Filter is TRUTH. So, are you sure what you want to tell me about our friend is true?”
Socrates’ friend replied, “Well, I don’t really know if it’s true. I just heard someone talking about it”.
Socrates said, “So you don’t know whether what you’re about to tell me about our friend is true or not. Great! Let’s go to the Second Filter.”
Socrates continued, “The second filter is GOODNESS. Is what you’re about to tell me about our friend something good?”
Socrates’ friend replied, “No, it’s not something good. Actually, it’s something bad.”
Socrates said, “So, you want to tell me something bad about our friend and you don’t know if it’s the truth. No, problem, you might still pass the test because there is one more filter.”
Socrates continued, “The Third Filter is USEFULNESS. Now, is what you’re about to tell me about our friend going to be of any use to me?”
Socrates’ friend replied, “No, it’ll not be of much use to you.”
Socrates concluded, “Well, if what you want to tell me about our friend isn’t true, good, or useful, why tell it to me in the first place?”
There you have it. Gossip, falsehoods, and fake news would decrease if we try to apply the Triple Filter test whenever we share news about someone or something. The world would become a better place!
Cheers!
Also read: How To Be A Good Friend (10 Tips); Friendships That Last
