- 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 :)
Oh I LOVE this! so true!
ReplyDeleteIndeed :)
DeleteI hope this is a true story, because it deserves to be!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find a definite no or yes - but it's a good advice to follow anyhow :)
DeleteI agree Alicia, very good and sound advice, whether Socrates really said it or not.
ReplyDeleteTherese