18/07/2026
The story of Socrates and the Triple Filter Test is a well-known lesson in how we handle information from others. When someone rushed to tell him news about a mutual friend, Socrates stopped them with three distinct filters: Is it true? Is it good? Is it useful? When the news failed all three, his conclusion was simple: “If what you want to tell me is neither true, nor good, nor even useful, why say it at all?”
While this is traditionally taught as a guide for external gossip, it holds profound value when we internalize it.
In clinic today, a client and I explored how we can apply these exact same filters to our own internal dialogue. Our minds frequently present us with unhelpful narratives, old patterns, and anxious loops. By stopping those thoughts in their tracks and asking—Is this true? Is this good? Is this useful?—we give ourselves the power to intercept the behavior.
It allows us to make a conscious decision to change lanes, diverting our energy and focus toward thoughts that actually serve us in our lives right now.
I hope this perspective is helpful to you today. If it resonated, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
If you find yourself stuck in unhelpful thinking loops and feel you could benefit from professional support, let’s connect. I offer a complementary 20-minute chat where we can look at where you are right now, where you would like to be, and how our dynamic combination of hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and NLP can support your mind and body.
You can book your free consultation via the link in the bio.
