Introspection of Rumors and Being a Better Person

     First, let me start by saying sorry this is a late post.  I try to make these posts on Sundays to connect with the tradition Christian day of rest and reflection.  So, bare with me while I go through the growing pains.  In the last post we discussed life itself and the need to be better human beings.  In this post we are going to address one thing that I know we all encounter gossip or rumors. 

     The idea behind this introspection is to stop and think before you speak.  I originally ran across the three questions through memes and have been unsuccessful in determining if it actually started with Socrates.  But, lets delve in.  According to the meme, Socrates had a test to determine if information one was about to provide was necessary and not intended for hurt or was not just a rumor.  The test contains three questions:

1. Truth: Are you certain the information you are about to share is true?
2. Goodness: Is the information you are about to share of good nature?
3. Usefulness: Is the information you are about to share going to be useful to the person you wish to share it with?

According to the concept this is supposed to help us determine if the information we want to share with someone else is really worth sharing.  In short, are we being a better person by sharing the information.

     So, lets summarize, if the information you are about to share with someone else is not known to be true beyond the shadow of a doubt, is not in good nature and will not be beneficial to the person you are going to share it with, than per the test this is information you need not share.  Personally, I can find this test beneficial in most situations.  I believe that being a better person involves considering others and their feelings.  So, take this introspection, reflect and determine if this would be beneficial on your journey of becoming a better person.