Welcome to 110th Monday Musings:
In ancient Greece , Socrates (469 - 399 BC) was widely lauded for his wisdom.
One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, " Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students? "
" Wait a moment ", Socrates replied, " Before you tell me 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 student, let's take a moment to filter what you're going to say.
The first filter is Truth.
Are you absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true? "
" No ", the man said, " Actually I just heard about it and..."
" Alright ", 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 student something good ? "
" No, on the contrary...."
" So ", Socrates continued, " You want to tell me something bad about him, even though you're not certain if it's true ? "
The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.
Socrates continued, " You may still pass the test though, because there is a third filter –
The filter of Usefulness.
Is what you want to tell me about my student 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 ? "
The man was defeated and ashamed.
This is the reason why Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.
Moral of the story :
1. Always speak only if it is Truth
2. Speak only if something is for goodness
3. Talk if something is Useful
Or Else it will be wastage of Time & Energy. Imagine how different the world would be if we only chose to seek or create information that was true, good, or useful.
Next time someone starts to spread gossip, think of this !
Make it a great Week !
Shailesh
