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The Three Sieves of Socrates
The Three Sieves of Socrates
One day, the old wise Socrates walks down the streets, when all of the sudden
a man runs up to him “Socrates I have to tell you something about your friend
who…”
“Hold up” Socrates interrupts him “About the story you’re about to tell me, did
you put it trough the three sieves?”
“The first sieve is the one of truth, did you examine what you were about to tell
me if it is true?”
Socrates asks.
“Ah, well then you have used the second sieve, the sieve of good?”
Socrates asks “Is it something good what you’re about to tell me?”
“Let’s use the third sieve then, is it necessary to tell me what you’re so exited
about?”
“Well” Socrates says with a smile “If the story you’re about to tell me isn’t true,
good or necessary, just forget it and don’t bother me with it.”