"Test of Three" Measurement

This is a follow on to the post from yesterday; America - Truth or Consequences This was provided by Rick B., one of our readers. Keep this philosophy in mind the next time you hear or are about to repeat a rumor. 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.

America - Truth or Consequences?

Most of us listen to some news and some talk radio. It's all around us, how can we not tune in? We hear so much about what our elected officials are saying about other people. Quite frankly, we hear very little (of substance) about how they're going to make our lives better and safer. I'm fed up, as I'm sure most of you are with those who speak ill of others so that the whole world will hear them. My father taught me years ago to "not say bad things about others" for 2 reasons; 1.) It's disrespectful and, 2.) It demeans who you are. I may be an idealist but, so what! I grew up in an America where children had respect for their elders, there was honor among men at all levels of society, and you just simply didn't lie. Our society lived by God's laws , not man's laws. When I hear Congress men and women speaking half truths on an issue, I wonder why they would do that, and then it hits me - personal gain, that's why! I really wonder where we're headed? If all of our elected officials would just speak the truth (win or lose), America would truly be free!