Saturday, October 26, 2013

Socrates' three filters

One day Socrates met an acquaintance who said:

- Socrates, I've heard something about one of your students.

- Just a moment, answered Socrates. Before you tell me what you've heard, let's filter the information.
The first filter is 'the truth filter'. Are you certain the information is true?

- Not really, I just heard it, I don't know if it's true or not.

- OK. The 2nd filter is 'the goodness filter'. Is what you're trying to tell me something good about my student?

- Err... no, quite the opposite.

- You still have a chance with the 3rd filter, 'the usefulness filter'. Is the information going to be useful in any way?

- No, not really...

- So: if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor useful, why would you say it?!

A timeless advice: as current today as 2,500 years ago :)

5 comments:

  1. I hope this is a true story, because it deserves to be!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I couldn't find a definite no or yes - but it's a good advice to follow anyhow :)

      Delete
  2. I agree Alicia, very good and sound advice, whether Socrates really said it or not.
    Therese

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate and love to read your comments!