Socrates was regarded as someone who valued knowledge highly in ancient Greece.
“Do you know what I just heard about your friend?” a friend of the famous philosopher asked him one day.
Socrates answered, “Wait a minute.” “Please pass this short test before you tell me anything.” We refer to it as the Triple Filter Test.
“Triple Filter ?”
“That’s right.?” Socrates carried on. It could be a good idea to pause and consider your words before approaching me about a friend.
This is why I refer to it as the triple test. The truth is the first filter. Do you genuinely believe that what you are going to tell me is accurate?
“No,” the man responded. In fact, I recently learned about it, and”
“No problem,” Socrates replied.
Thus, you can’t be certain whether it’s true or not.
Let’s now test the goodness filter, which is the second filter. Are you going to tell me a positive story about a friend or not?”
“No, on the contrary…”
“So you want to tell me something negative about him, but you’re not sure if it’s true,” Socrates went on. There is still one filter to go—the usefulness filter—so you might yet pass the exam. Will I benefit from what you want to tell me about my friend?
“No, not really…”
“Well,” Socrates answered, “if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?”
In conclusion, the concept of “Testing for Gossip” as espoused by Socrates emphasizes the need for critical thinking and verification of information before accepting or spreading rumors. By questioning the validity of gossip, individuals can uncover the truth and avoid causing harm through false information. The biblical scripture from Proverbs 16:28 states, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” This verse highlights the destructive nature of gossip and emphasizes the importance of verifying information before spreading it. Just as Socrates advocated for testing for gossip, this biblical wisdom warns against the harm caused by spreading false information. It is essential to be discerning and cautious in what we believe and share with others.
Kindly Share this with others, so together we can lessen the chaos of fake news and lies.
Your guess would be as good as mine if everyone is utilizing this test.
Thanks for reading. Stay focused. Stay happy. Stay healthy. Shalom and life to you.
