Published: Monday 17th of February 2025
The Three Sieves
There have been many wise people who came to earth and taught others how to love. If only we would take note and act upon it.
In Ancient Greece, Socrates had a high reputation for wisdom. Someone came to see him one day and said,
"Do you know what I've just learned about a friend of yours?"
Just a minute, Socrates replied. Before you tell me, I'd like you to put it through the test of the three sieves.
The three sieves?
Yes, said Socrates. Before you say things about other people, it's good to take the time to filter what you want to say. That's why I call it the test of the three sieves. The first sieve is that of TRUTH. Have you verified whether what you want to say to me is true?
Well no, somebody else told me, that's all.
Ah. So you don't know whether it's true. Let's try putting it through the second sieve, that of KINDNESS. The thing you just heard about my friend, was it something to his credit?
No, quite the opposite.
So, Socrates continued, you want to tell me something unkind about someone, and you're not even sure if it's true. But you may still pass the test, because there is one sieve left, that of USEFULNESS. Does it serve some PURPOSE if you tell me what my friend may have done?
No, not really.
Then, Socrates concluded, if what you have to tell me is neither true, nor kind, nor useful, why do you want to tell me?
If this doesn't start us thinking, I don't know what would. Are we too proud? Do we think we are wise? Do we believe we could do better? Do we care? If we want a better world, we have to make it so!!!
Author: Denise