Even from the vantage point of the criminal justice system, many states have legislation associated to the rule of three. Three felony convictions by an individual can be the basis for a lifetime of incarceration. It is left to the jurisdiction of each state, but some think that “three strikes and you’re out” is appropriate in that venue as well.
A quick Google search related to the “rule of three” yielded some interesting information. I found the following: “The rule of three is a writing principle that suggests that things that come in threes are inherently funnier, more satisfying, or more effective than other numbers of things. The reader or audience of this form of text is also more likely to consume information if it is written in groups of threes. From slogans ("Go, fight, win!") to films, many things are structured in threes. Examples include The Three Stooges, Three Little Pigs, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and the Three Musketeers.
“A series of three often creates a progression in which the tension is created, built up, and finally released. Similarly, adjectives are often grouped in threes to emphasize an idea.
“The Latin phrase, "omne trium perfectum" (everything that comes in threes is perfect, or, every set of three is complete) conveys the same idea as the rule of three.”
I hadn’t planned it, but I chose to embrace the rule of three while I was on the slopes yesterday. Did I mention it wasn’t my best day on the slopes? After I fell the third time, I concluded it was time to call it a day. I guess “three falls and I’m done” has a ring responsible behavior to it. At least it seemed like an exercise in prudent judgment to me.
Just because I said it wasn’t my best day on the slopes, doesn’t mean that I didn’t have an awesome day. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Three falls in a day is more than I’ve experienced in the last couple of years. It is always a little embarrassing and humbling when I fall, but other than bruising my ego, no real damage was done. It was almost like “striking out” when it comes to building confidence in my ability to stay on the topside of the skis, but I enjoyed the adventure despite the falls.
I mentioned on Friday that I’ve learned not to beat myself up for falling. How many times during our childhood years did we hear, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again?” It carries with it the connotation that the future is not exclusively determined by the past. I ski better now that I did last year or the year before that or the year before that.
More importantly, I enjoy it immensely. I don’t plan to give it up.
When it comes to the rule of three, snow skiing has it hands down. Each time I’ve been skiing, I have discovered that:
1) The majesty associated with the snow covered mountains offer a picturesque serenity that cannot be duplicated,
2) The visual impact of the whiteness of the snow supports an exhilarated freshness associated to life that intuitively reduces my stress level, and
3) The subsequent excursion back down the mountain offers adventure and excitement related to the journey.
Perhaps I was incorrect when I wrote earlier that “yesterday was not my best day on the slopes”. Perhaps in essence, it was my best day on the slopes. I fell three times and I was unscathed. Not everyone has that good fortune. Two college students died on the slopes within thirty miles of where I was skiing in the last couple of weeks. Instead of being disappointed that my skiing wasn’t flawless, I should simply rejoice and be grateful that I had an incredible day and am none the worse for wear.
Did I mention there are multiple examples of the rule of three that merit consideration? For example, Thomas Jefferson wrote about the importance of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. His words were no doubt some of the most influential written in our history. Most of us who value the heritage and values associated with our country would highlight the continued importance of the rule of three.
Even Kenny Rogers, in his song “The Gambler” talked about the importance of knowing when to hold them, knowing when to fold them and knowing when to walk away.
If you want to captivate your audience, provide them three things of importance, three thing to remember or three life lessons. We embrace and process things identified in groups of three.
How many times have we applauded someone’s effort by orchestrating three cheers for…? Even my parents called their sons, Ronnie, Donnie and Larry.
Hang on to the concept of the rule of three.
All My Best!
Don