"Triple Filter Test"

“He gossips habitually; he lacks the common wisdom to keep still that deadly enemy of man, his own tongue”
-- Mark Twain

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Socrates lived in ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC) and is known for his influence on Western philosophy. Socrates was committed to searching for the truth and that which was “good.” He was so devout in his quest for the truth, that he would not allow someone to give him information about another person without having passed his “triple filter test.”

The first of the three filters is Truth. Socrates would ask the person, “Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?" Even if the information was not known to be true, Socrates would cautiously proceed to the second filter

The second filter is Goodness. Socrates would ask, “Is what you are about to tell me about this person something good?" If the information was considered to be bad, Socrates would proceed to the third filter even more cautiously.

The third filter is Usefulness. Socrates would ask, “Is what you are about to tell me going to be useful to me?" If the information was bad news, not known to be true, and not useful to Socrates, he would refused to listen to it.

Talk about wisdom of the ages, the “Triple Filter Test” may be one of the best. Every parent should teach the “Triple filter Test” to their children. If we learned at an early age to search for the truth and only look for the good in others, just think of the type of world we would live in; no more gossip, no more rumors. Schools would see less bullying and happier children. Work places would be less negative and more productive. Neighborhoods would see less conflict and more cooperation.

How about you? When you talk about others could your information pass the “Triple Filter Test?” Do you make sure your information is factual? Is your information good news? Is your information useful? I urge you to put any message about someone else to the filter test.

Now that you are aware of the Triple filter test, let today be the day that you begin using the Socratic method of searching for the truth and the good in people. Remember, the most important filter is the first, the truth. If what you speak of is not known to be true, you should be hesitant to speak unless your message can pass the second filter; that which good. If your message is not known to be true and certainly is not good news; stop right there! If the wisdom of the “Triple Filter Test” is not enough, remember that the Good Book tells us that we shall not bear false witness against our neighbors.

Think of how much better the world would be, if parents and schools taught, reinforced, and modeled the simplistic, yet powerful “Triple Filter Test.”

Here is to getting an A+ on your test!

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Its your life: Live it, Love it & Celebrate it!