Socrates Test of Three - Truth, Goodness and Usefulness

The ancient Greece it's widely regarded as one of the most outstanding eras in world history.

From body culture to mind development, most of the things we today know came from this time.

Philosophy was one of the highlights of course, and Socrates one of the most prolific author.

Legend says that one day the great philosopher came upon a young man 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."

"Test of 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?"

The man was defeated and ashamed, just leaved.

Moral of the story: People talk to much but know too little.

Moral for your success: This is a matter of time managing and knowing your values in life.

Don't waste time talking about what you don't know.
Don't waste time listening to what people also don't know and it's not the truth.
Go for the Truth, look for Goodness and things that are Useful.
That's the person you've became or aspire to become, go for it!
Inspire others to be the best they can be, not gossip and crappy talk.
Remember...