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In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates 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
Test of Three."
"Three?"
"That's right, Socrates continued. Before you talk to
me about my student let's take a moment to test what
you're going to say."
The first test 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 test, the test 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 it's true?"
The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.
Socrates continued. "You may still pass though, because
there is a third test - 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?"
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