Today Greek philosopher Socrates is still fondly remembered for the way he challenged people’s thinking and he continues to do so millennials laters. He believed that a good choice of words could lead anybody to any conclusion they wanted. He realized that in order to live in harmony with others and with yourself, it is necessary to apply filters or rules that lead people’s actions towards the path of goodness. Thus, he devised the “triple-filter test” with the purpose of determining if words, thoughts, and feelings really show kind, good, and useful intentions and conceptions towards the world, and most importantly, towards people. Learning to filter our words and emotions properly will help us be in balance with our surroundings and with everyone else.
First filter: “Look for the truth”
To assume without a basis that everyone’s intentions are negative is one of the greatest mistakes we usually make. These assumptions only cause grief, for our souls become burdened by doubts, resentment, rage, helplessness, and negativity. Before assuming that anyone has a hidden agenda, we have the responsibility to seek the truth and look for the evidences of what is true and what is not.
Ask yourself: Is it true what I’ve been told?
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Second filter: “Look for goodness and kindness”
How many people have never said bad things about a person,? How many people haven’t taken gossip as serious facts? This is the origin of resentment and the reason why people have narrow perspectives and are quick to judge and be prejudiced towards others.
Letting yourself get swept away by someone’s vicious and ill-intentioned remarks is like living without any bases, only seeking evilness instead of kindness. Everyone has the responsibility to verify if what people tell them is good or kind. People deserve to be analyzed through kinder eyes; not everyone is cruel and evil. Look for the evidence that confirm people’s light, and don’t let yourself be mislead by darkness.
Ask yourself: Why look for dishonesty when there is also kindness?
Third filter: “Look out for what is useful”
One of the most common and seductive behaviors of daily life is gossiping about something or someone else, especially if it is something bad. This only creates conflicts, resentment, and biased point of views. You must focus on everybody’s virtues and leave aside negative traits for people with poor judgment. It is important to acknowledge that someone can show you respect and kindness.
Ask yourself: What i’m doing is useful? Is what I’m saying about a person unbiased?
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Applying these filters in all aspects of your life will make you feel more relieved, since you won’t be carrying the burden of hatred and doubt. Remember to judge each situation and each person according to a situation you’ve witnessed, not what you’ve been told. This way, you’ll be sure to judge life as it really is: a place where your spirit is facing constant renewal day by day.
Never underestimate the benefits Socrates’ ideas can bring to your life.
-Translated by Andrea Valle Gracia
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