Filtering Our Words And Beliefs For Higher Wisdom, Goodness, & Utility

In the empire of ancient Greece, Socrates was a prominent figure renowned for his extraordinary wisdom.
Socrates firmly believed in the necessity of subjecting one’s own words to rigorous scrutiny before speaking about someone. I highly agree with this teaching.

The 3 Seives To Filter Our Words

He strongly advocated for the implementation of three sieves, which serve as tough filters, sifting through our communication to discern the true essence and value of its content. These sieves, I liken to guardians of wisdom, enabling us to evaluate every word and idea before they pass the entry of our lips, ensuring that only valuable, insightful, and constructive thoughts find their way into the world. With these profound tools at our disposal, we are empowered to communicate with clarity, precision, and intention, elevating the quality of our discourse.

The first sieve asks us to consider if our words are true, based on facts instead of assumptions. The second sieve, the sieve of goodness, makes us think about whether our words are kind and helpful or mean and untrue. Finally, the sieve of usefulness makes us think about if it’s necessary and helpful to share the words we’ve chosen, or if they’re just a waste of time.

What Is A Sieve?

A Filter: A sieve is a powerful tool utilized in the fields of science, engineering, and manufacturing to effectively filter and separate elements based on their unique properties. It possesses the remarkable ability to allow specific particles to effortlessly pass through while concurrently obstructing other particles, empowering researchers, technicians, and professionals to extract, sort, and classify materials with the utmost precision.

In essence, it is a device comprising strategically placed holes or voids that effectively segregate particles of varying sizes by allowing the passage of smaller particles while competently capturing and holding larger particles within its confines.

In light of this, the ancient tale of Socrates and the three sieves materializes light to shine upon the intriguing concept of separating and sifting spiritual & mental “elements” and virtues by employing a discerning criterion.

HERE IS THE CONVERSATION:

"Listen, Socrates, there is among your listeners a disreputable young man, unworthy of your trust. When I tell you what he’s doing, I think you’ll ban him from your group...."
I am ready to listen to you, replied Socrates, and to take the necessary measures. But let me first look closely at what you are about to tell me. Have you passed your words through the three sieves?
The three sieves, questioned the man, what is it?
The first is the sieve of Truth. Are you sure that what you are going to tell me is true? Have you heard it yourself or watched with your own eyes?
To tell the truth, said the man, after a moment of hesitation, I just overheard it.
The test of the first sieve is not successful, says Socrates. Let’s examine the second: the sieve of Goodness. Will you tell me something good or positive about this man?
On the contrary, said the other, I was going to say bad things about him.
Your words do not pass the second sieve, says Socrates. Let’s use the last sieve. Is it necessary to tell me what you’re so excited about?
No not necessary, the man says.
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."

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The three sieves correspond to the alchemical elements: Gold, Silver, and Lead. Hence, these three powerful elements empower us to assess the fundamental essence and deep significance of various aspects in our lives.

Gold reigns as the unrivaled symbol of truth, its value eclipsing all others. Just like the radiant purity of gold represents the ultimate truth, shining brilliantly above all else, the silver element encompasses the very essence of goodness, illuminating our path with its positivity and moral virtue. Silver radiates the very essence of goodness, an illuminating force of positivity and moral righteousness. And then we have lead, an element of weight and substance, serving as a tangible representation of practical utility. Lead, with its weight and substance, becomes the embodiment of practical utility, empowering us to discern the true worth of things. It empowers us to critically evaluate the value and practicality of ideas and concepts that cross our paths. Together, these symbolic elements serve as invaluable tools in deciphering the core essence and profound significance of the myriad aspects that shape our lives.

GOLD

Sieve Of Truth (Wisdom/ Knowledge)

The sieve of gold represents wisdom and knowledge.
It allows valuable knowledge and wisdom to pass through while catching worthless information. So focusing on what passes through this first sieve would allow one to gain true knowledge and enrichment for the soul.
The first sieve teaches that we should first seek wisdom and knowledge (which is Truth), and allow that to guide and inform what we allow into our minds and out of our mouths.

The sieve of gold helps us determine what really matters – what nourishes the mind and soul. The sieve of gold in the Socrates story symbolizes the importance of gaining wisdom and knowledge as a first priority, and using that as a filter before we continue on…

SILVER

Sieve Of Goodness (Joy/ Positivity)

Things that are good and bring joy pass through this sieve, while unpleasant and harmful things are caught. The sieve of silver represents the importance of discerning which words will authentically enhance our well-being as well as the well-being of others, while avoiding vain pleasures. This discernment comes after first seeking wisdom and truth through the sieve of gold. Engaging in the virtuous pursuit of goodness necessitates nurturing a profound sense of respect, compassion, and honesty. Practicing goodness involves treating others with respect, compassion, and honesty. Gossip goes against this by spreading information, often out of context, that can damage others’ reputations.

“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”

Proverbs 15:28

LEAD

Sieve Of Necessity (Usefulness/ Weight)

This sieve represents necessary things. Things that are useful and needed pass through this sieve, while unnecessary things are caught. The sieve of lead teaches the value of simplicity and focusing on what truly matters, rather than being consumed by trivialities. This sieve comes last, indicating that only after sifting the Truth and Goodness should we consider what is truly necessary to say and what isn’t.

These three sieves help us filter experiences and prioritize what is truly valuable. Only that which contributes to our flourishing and the well-being of others is allowed to pass. The lesson is to simplify and focus on what is truly needed in our communication with others, beyond fleeting pleasures and momentary emotions, asking us to take a step back and think about the ramifications that come from speaking to others, about others. By avoiding unnecessary gossip and rumors, we can prioritize essential knowledge, cultivate meaningful relationships, and invite healthy conditions that enable us to live a fulfilled life, internally, despite our outer circumstances.

Applying The Three Sieves

TRUTH- Before you say something about someone else, ask yourself :
Is it true?  
Are you conveying accurate information? 
Are you spreading rumors? 
Gossip?  
Lies? 

GOODNESS- Once you've established that what you're saying is true, consider:
Is it morally good or virtuous? 
Is it kind and compassionate?
 or 
Is it hurtful & malicious? 
Will your words build others up or tear them down?

USEFULNESS- Finally, consider: 
Is what you're saying  useful or beneficial?
Will it help others in some way? 
or 
Is it simply idle chatter? 
Will it contribute to productive conversation? 
or 
Will it distract from important issues?