“Is it true? Is it good? Is it useful?”— The Three Filters Test, attributed to Socrates
Introduction: A Whisper Can Wound
Rumors are often dressed as concern, curiosity, or "just sharing." They travel fast, grow wild, and leave broken trust in their wake. In an age of instant communication, Socrates’ ancient wisdom is more relevant than ever.
One of the most powerful stories attributed to Socrates is his "Three Filters Test"—a guide not just for what we say, but what we choose to hear. While its historical authenticity is debated, the principles reflect the kind of moral reasoning Socrates was known for.
Let’s revisit this timeless story—and what it teaches us about handling rumors wisely.
The Story: Socrates and the Gossiping Man
One day, a man came to Socrates and said,
“Do you know what I just heard about your friend?”
Socrates replied,
“Before you tell me, I’d like you to pass a little test. I call it the Triple Filter Test.”
Filter 1: Truth
“Are you absolutely sure that what you are going to tell me is true?”
The man hesitated. “No, I just heard it from someone else.”
Filter 2: Goodness
“Is what you are about to tell me something good?”
“No, actually, it’s quite the opposite…”
Filter 3: Usefulness
“Is what you are about to say going to be useful to me?”
“Not really…”
Socrates then said,
“If what you want to tell me is neither true, nor good, nor useful, why tell it to me at all?”
1. The Wisdom of Slowing Down
In a world of instant opinions and rapid reactions, Socrates’ first filter—Is it true?—reminds us to pause. Most rumors are fueled by assumptions or secondhand information. Passing them on without verification is like lighting a match in a dry forest.
Before we speak, we must ask:
“Do I know this to be true, or am I just passing along noise?”
2. The Power of Positivity
The second filter—Is it good?—is not about avoiding hard truths, but about checking our motives. Are we sharing to build up or tear down? To help or to hurt?
Socrates urges us to consider the heart behind our words. If our words don’t carry kindness or care, they may be better left unsaid.
3. The Discipline of Relevance
The final filter—Is it useful?—guides us to evaluate whether what we say has real purpose. Even if something is true and not necessarily harmful, does it serve a good end? Will it bring clarity, growth, or healing?
If the information serves no real purpose, it may just be empty chatter—or worse, harmful distraction.
Socrates and Today’s World
Apply the Three Filters Test to:
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Social media posts
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Conversations at church or work
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Group texts or prayer chains
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What you choose to listen to
Imagine how much peace and trust would be preserved if we used this test more often.
When You’re the Target of a Rumor
Socrates doesn’t just give us a tool to stop rumors from spreading—his wisdom also equips us to process them with reason rather than reaction.
When you're the subject of a rumor:
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Ask: Is there any truth I can learn from this?
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Avoid emotional retaliation.
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Let your consistent life and character speak louder than gossip.
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Choose forgiveness over bitterness—because responding with grace always outlasts revenge.
Conclusion: Be the Filter, Not the Funnel
Socrates’ lesson invites us to think before we speak, and even before we listen. Whether you're tempted to pass along a juicy story or struggling with what's been said about you, remember:
Not everything that’s heard needs to be repeated.
Not everything that’s repeated needs to be believed.
The next time you’re faced with a rumor, stop and apply the Three Filters:
Is it true?
Is it good?
Is it useful?
If it fails the test, don’t pass it on.
Be the end of the rumor, not the echo.
