Sometimes, you read a quote or adage that makes you want to share it. This is one of them.
Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates.
At the first gate, ask yourself, “Is it true?”
At the second gate ask, “Is it necessary?”
At the third gate ask, “Is it kind?”
Sufi Saying
While this really doesn’t have much to do with writing fiction, as an author I think it’s a great way to live life.
Speaking doesn’t have the same filters that writing does. You can think about something you wrote before you actually publish it. You can edit what you write. But the spoken word doesn’t offer the same reflection or kindness. That’s why it’s so important to think before speaking.
Here’s a breakdown of each gate:
Is it true?
This gate encourages honesty and accuracy, which is especially important with all the inaccurate information online. Before speaking, consider if your words are factual and based on reality, not just hearsay or what you see online. If I share something online from someone I don’t know, I research it first.
Is it necessary?
This gate promotes restraint and purposefulness. Will your words add value to the conversation or are they are simply ego-driven or unnecessary.
Is it kind?
This gate emphasizes kindness, compassion, and respect. Think about whether your words will be harmful, offensive, or hurtful to others.
According to Psychology Today, “Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care are words that are associated with kindness. While kindness has a connotation of meaning someone is naive or weak, that is not the case. Being kind often requires courage and strength.”
Rumi is widely recognized as the source of the specific three-gate formulation
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Being a writer, like being any kind of artist who creates something from nothing, is an amazing ability. It’s almost like magic. And, you are in control. You decide what to create. The only limit you have is the cap on your imagination.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
You might also check out my 230+ page ebook (or paperback) that gives you all the basics of HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK. It’s newly revised and includes information on finding a publisher or agent and marketing your books.
