Dealing With Gossip - The Triple Filter Test

Dealing With Gossip - The Triple-Filter Test  ~ Author Unknown ~

Jonnie Miles / Getty Images

In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, "Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"

"Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be good idea to take a moment and filter what you’re going to say. That’s why I call it the triple filter test. The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"Well, no," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and…"

"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 what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?"

"Umm, no, on the contrary…"

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about my friend, 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 friend 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?"

-------------

This is a fabulous story that gives us a helpful guideline to show us how to deal with gossip and the people who like to spread it. Gossip is one of those things that some people like to spread because it makes that person portray themselves as being important and valuable to other people. Despite the fact that gossip often can sound interesting and / or stimulating, Gossip, most often than not, can not only be untrue, but it can also be very hurtful. There have been millions of relationships and friendships that have destroyed because of this vice.

So, as for me, the next time someone has some gossip to tell me, I am going to remind myself of Socrates’ Triple Filter Test, and think to myself…is it true? Is it good? Is it useful?  If not, I’ll find someone else to talk to and spend my time wisely. What about you?

--------------

Have any stories or interesting tidbits? Email me richmullercoach@gmail.com

Have any comments? Please leave them in the “comment” area below.

Live. Laugh. Love