Test of Three

In ancient Greece (469 – 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.

One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance, 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 correct,” 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 replied, “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 and said no more.

This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.

Bflygal's comments: Hmm today I'm in a mood for literary.. flipped through Merchant of Venice, Charlotte's web and now a little bit of Socrates hmm...
Oh and youtube seems to be having problem in my blog hmm...

Source: Jaslyn Go's Blog
Bflygal's comments: I did not know she was from SDP at the time of reading. When my friend commented that this lady is a strong lady, I asked why and he asked me back, did I read the blog or not haha. Well I read the first page, the latest entry.. and skimmed the rest seeing words like SDP. Through it I had already formed a first impression and termed her as probably someone afflicted with the opposition party.

I am definitely well taught by our media. Because I used the word opposition. As what my friend said, what did the party oppose to be termed opposition? If Republicans and Democrats are just 2 entirely different political party sharing the same sentiments to serve the US citizens well, then who am I to generalise that any parties not from PAP are termed opposition parties. Indeed the correct english should be An Alternative Party.

But if I have any thoughts of this lady.. it is just well her attitude is commendable especially how she juggled the trial and her life commitments. And of course her courage for voicing her thoughts and hopefully translating into actions. But I'm very sure she is not a stupid person and thus once again I believe there exists bias in her (personal) blog. So I still maintain my stand to read it with a pinch of salt.

If you want an example of what I meant on read everything with a pinch of salt, look no further than here .