Τα 3 κόσκινα του Σωκράτη. The 3 sieves of Socrates #history

One day, an acquaintance of Socrates stopped him on the street. Let me tell you what I found out about a friend of yours. Then the Master asked him if he had passed it through the three sieves. What are these sieves, the man wondered. First, if you’ve made sure it’s true. No, the man said. Second, if it’s something good for my friend. No, the man said again. And third, if it will benefit me to know. No my brother, just some small talk. So let it go, Socrates said to him, and let’s say something both pleasant and useful.