“A man without a filter, is chaos walking”
Patrick Ness
The triple filter test refers to an anecdote of the great Greek philosopher, Socrates. Many consider this anecdote a great life lesson that can help you deal with gossip and rumors.
One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, “Socrates, Do you know what I just heard about your best friend?”
“Hold on a minute,” Socrates replied. “Before you talk to me about my best friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you’re going to say. 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 . . .” “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 that what you are about to tell me about my best 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 best friend going to be useful to me?”
“No not really.” “Well,” concludes Socrates, “If what you want to tell me is neither true, nor good, nor useful, why tell it to me at all?”
How to apply the triple filter test by Di Castro, E
In everyday life, it’s not easy to define the true, the good, and the necessary. These are abstract concepts that are sometimes difficult to apply. That’s why there are also some additional questions that can help you when it comes to applying the triple filter test:
Regarding the truth: Do I know for a fact that this information is true? Can I bet on it? Will I be able to prove it to anyone? Am I willing to compromise my reputation over this?
Regarding the good: Does it benefit me or the other person? Will it make them or me a better person and evoke positive emotions? Will the situation of those involved improve?
Regarding the necessary or useful: By knowing this message, will that person’s life or my life improve? Can that person take any practical action regarding this information or message? In what way does not knowing this information hurt or affect the other person?
Before you speak THINK
T— Is it true?
H— Is it helpful?
I— Is it inspiring?
N— Is it necessary?
K— Is it kind?
Biblical Verses
“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 15:4 (NLT)
“A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”
Proverbs 18:4 (NLT)
Additional Reading
Socrates: The Best of Socrates: The Founding Philosophies of Ethics, Virtues & Life 3rd Edition by William Hackett
Truth vs Falsehood: How to Tell the Difference by David R. Hawkins
Point of Reflection
“Rumor travels faster, but it don't stay put as long as truth.”
Will Rogers