Two Powerful Tests

Here are two powerful tools, broken down into 7 questions, for you to implement daily in all your human relationships. Do it and 2013 will be the best year of your life.

The Rotary Four-Way Test. 

The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions of the things we think, say or do: 

1) Is it the TRUTH? 

2) Is it FAIR to all concerned? 

3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 

4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The Ultimate Gossip Test by Socrates. 

YOU! Yes you! Think twice before spreading a rumor. Here is a short story that explains the three filters of Socrates – The Ultimate Gossip Test. Here it goes: In ancient Greece (469 – 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day an acquaintance ran up to him excitedly and said, “Socrates, do you know what I just heard about Diogenes?” “Wait a moment,” Socrates replied, “Before you tell me I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Triple Filter Test.” ‘Triple filter?” asked the acquaintance. “That’s right,” Socrates continued, “Before you talk to me about Diogenes let’s take a moment to filter what you’re going to say. The first filter is Truth. 

5) Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?” 

“No,” the man said, “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 filter, the filter of Goodness. 

6) Is what you are about to tell me about Diogenes something good?

 “No, on the contrary…” “So,” Socrates continued, “You want to tell me something about Diogenes that may be bad, even though you’re not certain it’s true?” The man shrugged, a little embarrassed. Socrates continued, “You may still pass the test though, because there is a third filter, the filter of Usefulness. 

7) Is what you want to tell me about Diogenes 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 or anyone at all?”

Be blessed and be a blessing to others!

Carlos Fontana, President of Phalanx

Co-author of the book Follow to Lead (The 7 Principles to Being a Great Follower)

Author of the book PRICELESS (Sixty-Six Simple Stories of Reflection, Love, and Legacy)