Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, was once stopped by an acquaintance as he passed through the markets. “I’ve something important to tell you,” he said. “It’s about your friend.” “That’s very kind of you,” Socrates said. “But, don’t tell me just yet. I run all information through the Three Filters Test to ascertain if I want to know it.” The man looked somewhat puzzled as Socrates continued, “First is the filter of truth. Whatever you want to tell me, have you seen or witnessed it first-hand?” “Umm…I actually heard it from someone,” the man said, “and, it is from a trusted source.” “Alright. But that does not pass my first test,” Socrates added, “since you don’t know whether it’s true.” “Second is the filter of goodness. Is that a good statement you want to make about my friend?” “Not really. That’s the reason I wanted—” Socrates interjected, “So, you want to tell me something bad about someone but don’t know if it’s true.” “The last is the filter of utility.” ...
