The Three Sieves of Socrates: Filter the Useless and Protect Your Mind
Learning to Filter Out Useless Information to Save Time and Energy
In our world, it’s crucial to discern between truth and falsehood.
People, shielded by their screens or simply because gossiping is easy, fail to verify the accuracy of the information they spread. Worse yet, those who listen often don’t question whether it’s true, beneficial to anyone, or even useful. What we say impacts not only our lives but also those of others. It’s important to refocus our energy and use our time wisely.
I want to share a method to filter the continuous stream of information we encounter. This system originates from Socrates, a philosopher from Ancient Greece renowned for his wisdom and his famous test of the three sieves.
Now, imagine someone approaches Socrates claiming to have heard something about his friends.
Instead of listening, Socrates tests them using three sieves: truth, goodness, and usefulness.
1. The First Sieve: Is it True?
Socrates asked the person if they had verified the information before reporting it to him.
What do you think their response was? They had heard about it and shared it without checking first.
How to assess the truthfulness of information before sharing it:
- Beware of biases, especially those towards your inner circle.
- Verify the coherence of the facts. Pay attention to details.
- Don’t hesitate to consult the primary source. Ask questions!
2. The Second Sieve: Is it Good?
Socrates continues filtering in another way, using the sieve of goodness. He wants to know if what they want to tell him about his friend is good.
What response did he receive? No! On the contrary, this person wishes to spread negative things about Socrates’ friend without knowing if they’re true.
How to assess whether information is good or not:
- Consider how the information might affect the people involved. Information that can harm someone is not good.
- Examine the intention behind sharing the information. It can’t be considered good if the goal is to harm or manipulate.
- Consider the potential benefits this information could bring.
- Ensure the information aligns with your values. If it goes against what you believe, it’s probably not good.
3. The Third Sieve: Is it Useful?
Socrates concludes the test with the last sieve, that of usefulness.
He asks the person if knowing what his friend might have done is useful.
Do you think Socrates would have received a positive response? Of course not.
How to assess whether information is useful or not :
- Consider if the information is relevant to the interests, needs, or concerns of your audience. If it lacks interest, it’s likely to be perceived as useless.
- Ensure the information aligns with your goals and values as a communicator.
- Seek information that inspires, motivates, or encourages rather than the opposite.
Conclusion
Socrates concludes by asking him: “If what you have to tell me is neither true nor good nor useful, why tell me at all?”
No one has ever been hurt by holding back hurtful words. Sometimes, silence is more fitting.
So, if you find yourself in such a situation, remember the test of the three sieves:
- Truth: Let’s verify what we want to say is true.
- Goodness: Is what we want to say, something good?
- Usefulness: Is it useful that we share this?
Why say things if they’re neither true nor good nor useful?
