We’ve all heard and seen and read about it…and I just did it! Some call it the Power of Three, others the Rule of Three. But by whatever name you refer to this phenomenon, things that come in threes certainly seem to be way more effective and memorable. A sequence of three seems to stick in people’s heads.
We have it in mathematics. The Oxford Dictionary explains it as, “A method of finding a number in the same ratio to a given number as exists between two other given numbers.” Well, I’m totally lost there already, but then I never was that good at mathematics. I do remember this, however—3³ or 4³, which simply means 3 x 3 x 3 or 4 x 4 x 4. We also find this power of three in the geometrical structure of the triangle.
It’s all over in marketing—three choices or points resonate with the human brain. Three is the magical number of choices. Three key points work better than two or four.
It’s predominant in sports and contests—1st, 2nd, and 3rd place; gold, silver, and bronze medals. There are no prizes for anything beyond three.
We find it in English in so many ways. Good, better, best. Past, present, future. Before, during, after. Three parts of a sentence used together for the purposes of rhythm, emphasis, and rhetoric. Write it, emphasize it, say it again!
We find it in literature and stories: Three Musketeers, Three Stooges, Three Little Pigs, Three Blind Mice, Goldilocks and the Three Bears (three chairs, three porridge bowls, three beds, three bears). The three-act structure in storytelling demands a beginning, middle, and end. Even our romance stories have a hero, heroine, and usually an antagonist (someone getting in the way of their budding romance).
Just look at some of the most famous quotes and sayings, and you’ll see that we find the Power of Three in all walks of life— Stop, look, and listen; Location, location, location; Blood, sweat, and tears; I came, I saw, I conquered; Friends, Romans, Countrymen; Government of the people, by the people, for the people; Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil (the three wise monkeys). Even meal offerings are grouped in threes, eg. Ham and cheese on rye, fish and chips and vinegar.
Even in the world of comedy, the Rule of Three works by establishing an idea, reinforcing that idea, and then having something unexpected, weird, or contradictory happen.
Now you might be wondering why the Rule of Three is so powerful. That’s because it’s the way humans process information. We’re proficient at recognizing patterns. And what’s the smallest number of elements you need to create a pattern? Yes, you guessed it—three! So PATTERN + BREVITY = MEMORABLE CONTENT.
Finally, we find it in the Bible: The Holy Trinity—Father, Son, Holy Spirit; body, mind, soul (Matthew 22 v 37 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind”); A cord of three strands (Ecclesiastes 4 v 12); Faith, Hope, Love (1 Corinthians 13 v 13).
I have my own little Power of Three going on in my Potter’s House Books—Restoring Faith, Recovering Hope, and my newest release, Reclaiming Charity. I do hope you’ll get to read this series of three books.
But I’m not the only one to have published stories in the Potter’s House Books—six other authors have also released three stories each in this wonderful series of hope, redemption, and second chances stories. AND, all 21 books are on sale until today (some, maybe all, might be on sale a few days longer). Only 99c per book, so don’t delay! You can find them all on Amazon at The Potter’s House series page.
In closing, I’d like to mention that the triquetra is a Celtic symbol that symbolizes the Power of Three—that’s why Autumn Macarthur, Alexa Verda and I chose it as our Facebook avatar for our book club, Three Authors and a Blogger. Pop on over, become a member, and enjoy the fun that we have there every week, plus one week a month we have a book club. AND we have a birthday club—sign up to that and get a solo e-book of your choice from each of the three authors on your birthday.
Speaking of giveaways…I’ll be giving away not one, not two, but THREE copies of my latest release, Reclaiming Charity to three readers who comment on this post by next Friday, May 10th. After all, there’s power in three!
USA Today bestselling author, MARION UECKERMANN’s passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. Marion and her husband again live in South Africa and are setting their sights on retirement when they can join their family in the beautiful Cape.
Hi Marion! What a delightful informative blog. I have always been intrigued by the Rule of Three, which is also used in photography and design. I was inspired by the Power of Three in you Potter’s House books and feel in love with Faith, Hope, and Charity. Therefore no need to include me in your giveaway. Wishing you the best as author, mom, and grandma. In my thoughts. Blessings.
Hi Marion, wow, I have not read this explained so clearly- thanks for sharing:) I like that you explore the Rule of Three through so many forms- maths, literature, to God Himself.
Blessings:)
Wonderful post, Marion! I never saw the power of three broken down on so many levels…. beautiful! I already have all three books…………………..which are Ah Maze Ing, hahaha, my own 3, lol, so no need to include me!
Hi Marion, That was so interesting! I am looking at my candles and they are arranged in a group of three.
Thanks so much, Renate. The Power of Three is quite fascinating :)
Thank you. I found it so interesting when I started researching it. Glad you enjoyed the post.
LOL, Paula, I was about to say you had your own little 3 thing going there, when I read further :)
Thank you, Lori. Glad you enjoyed it :)
I never really realized how prevalent “threes” are and in how many different areas they show up. I know also that when displaying objects odd numbers, starting with three, are usually more pleasing to the eye than even numbers are.
Wow! This is so interesting. I never thought of it that way before. Thank you so much for sharing. Blessings
I have never heard of the Power of Three. This is very interesting and definitely makes sense. Thank you for sharing. I will look at things differently from this point on. LOL
This is a very informative and interesting post! I’ve never thought of most of these before.
I’m one of two siblings.
Yes, there is power in the # 3.
We are a force to be reckoned with, especially when we were taking care of our Mom who had Alzheimer’s.
Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
I loved this!! We do always think of things of three! I hadn’t looked at it quite the way you mentioned, though. We always say things happen in threes. I hadn’t thought of it in writing, but it makes sense! The math part of the Oxford Dictionary explanation makes absolutely no sense to me, either, though that’s not surprising since math was never my best subject!!
It’s such an interesting concept, Jessica, and I can’t help wondering whether it’s all because of God being three in one :)
Glad you enjoyed the post, Lucy :)
You’re welcome, Susan. Glad that it was interesting for you.
That is so interesting seeing it all laid out like that. I’ve never thought about it, though I’ve said things come in 3’s, good or bad it seems.
What a great informative post! I learned a lot today. :) Thank you so much!
Wow! I had only heard of the power of three in art – I love this – it’s everywhere! Thanks for sharing this!
I suppose I havent give the power of three that much consideration. But after reading your post, I clearly see now. It really is in everything and everywhere. I know the verse in the bible. I love it.
I discovered something interesting that relates to your three things, Marion!! As I was reading my Bible reading this afternoon, my Study Bible I’m using is talking about this in Psalm 119: The threefold repetition of a single concept in Hebrew though signifies its totality or significance.
Thanks, Marion, for an excellent post. Early in my writing career, I had a contest judge who pointed out the power of three in writing. I’ve tried to incorporate that principle.
Such an interesting post!
Glad you enjoyed it, Sherri :)
I love your response, Janet! And I can empathize with that situation (although we were four siblings in a similar situation).
Thank you, Trudy. I hadn’t even thought of the things happening in threes aspect :) LOL, glad I’m not the only one who’s not great at math :)
Thank you, Andrea. LOL, and as I just said to Trudy, I hadn’t even thought of the things coming in threes aspect :)
You’re welcome, Alexa. So glad that you enjoyed the post.
Now you mention art, Tricia, I vaguely remember my son telling me something about three in photography :) It certainly is everywhere!
It certainly is in so many areas of life, Lori. Glad this post has made you more aware :)
It certainly is in so many areas of life, Lori. Glad this post has made you more aware :)
It’s a great concept, Merrillee. I try to use it where I can, too, in my writing.
Thank you, Dianna. Glad you enjoyed it :)
I have always said things always happen in threes! My kids now repeat those words. It does seem to always happen that way, doesn’t it. Great post!! So many more than I ever realized about threes.
Thanks for this post about threes. Great observations.
This was such an interesting post! I really enjoyed reading it! And, of course, the first thing I thought of once I realized the point, was the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely, Susan. So glad that you enjoyed the post :)
Thank you, Paula. So glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you, Lisa. And yes, I’m certain that the Trinity is exactly the reason that three is so powerful :)
Very interesting and informative! Enjoyed it very much!
Thank you, Laurie. So glad that you enjoyed the post :)
The three winners of Reclaiming Charity are: Wemble, Jessica B, Janet Estridge. I’ll be gifting these to you soon ladies.
Thank you everyone for your comments on this post.
Thank you Marion!