The Three Sieves of Socrates, also known as the Triple Filter Test, is a moral and philosophical guideline for thoughtful speech and decision-making. Though there’s no definitive historical proof Socrates himself taught it this way, the idea is rooted in Socratic ethics and is often shared in modern retellings as a parable to teach wisdom, kindness, and discernment.
🌿 The Parable
Someone approached Socrates, eager to gossip:
“Socrates, do you know what I just heard about your friend?”
Socrates replied,
“Wait. Before you speak, let’s filter what you’re about to say through three sieves.”
🧠 The Three Sieves
1. Truth
“Have you made absolutely sure that what you’re about to tell me is true?”
If the person hesitates or isn’t certain, Socrates continues…
2. Goodness (Kindness)
“Is what you’re about to tell me something good or kind?”
If it isn’t kind or uplifting, Socrates adds the final filter…
3. Usefulness (Necessity)
“Is it going to be useful or necessary for me to know?”
🧩 The Lesson
If what you’re about to say is:
- not true,
- not kind,
- and not useful,
then why say it at all?
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