The 3 Socrates Sieves

...::: SOCRATES :::...

(Ancient Greece Philosopher )

Once, a breathless man approached the great philosopher and whispered in his ear:

Listen, Socrates ... In the condition of your friend, I have something very serious to tell you, in particular ...

Wait! "Said the prudent sage. Have you passed what you want to tell me to the three sieves? (sieve + - = filter)

Three sieves? asked the visitor in astonishment.

Yes, my dear friend, three sieves. Let us see if your confidence passes through them.

The first is the sieve of truth.

Are you absolutely sure what you intend to communicate?

Well, "said the interlocutor," I can't assure you... But I heard and ... and then ... "

Exact. You have certainly sifted the matter through the second sieve, that of kindness.

Even if it is not real what you think you know, is it at least good what you want to tell me?

Hesitating, the man replied:

That's not ... Quite the contrary ...

Ah! said the wise man, "then let us turn to the third sieve, that of utility, and let us see the profit of what afflicts you so much.

Useful?! ... Exhibited the visitor still agitated. - Useful it is not.

Well, "said the philosopher in a smile," if what you have to trust is not true, neither good nor useful, let us forget the problem and don't worry about it, since there is no use in non-constructive cases for us!"