Darshan Mehta explains a timeless principle that’s shaped our world.
The ‘Power of Three’ is a timeless concept that resonates across cultures, disciplines, and ideologies. Whether in literature, science, or even in marketing, the number three has a unique appeal. It’s a principle that suggests things that come in threes are more satisfying, effective, and memorable than other groupings. This triadic structure ha been ingrained into human understanding for centuries, forming the backbone of many classic narratives, scientific laws, and even religious teachings.
In storytelling, the ‘Power of Three’ is a literary technique that has been used to create rhythm, tension, and satisfaction. From fairy tales like The Three Little Pigs to the three-act structure of most modern screenplays, the grouping of three is seen as a natural pattern that helps readers and viewers digest information. There’s something inherently complete about a set of three: it provides a beginning, middle, and end. The pattern satisfies our brains because it creates a structure that feels full and well-rounded without being overwhelming. In rhetoric, this concept can also be observed in speeches and slogans. Politicians and public speakers often rely on this structure, knowing that people are more likely to remember things when presented in threes. Think of famous phrases like, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” or “Veni, Vidi, Vici” — they stick in our minds precisely because of this principle.
In science and mathematics, the power of three appears just as frequently. The triangle, for instance, is one of the most stable and fundamental shapes in geometry. Its simplicity belies its strength, and it is often used in construction, from the pyramids of Egypt to the trusses of modern bridges. In physics, we have Newton’s three laws of motion, which provide a foundational understanding of how objects interact. In biology, the DNA that encodes all life is read in triplets, called codons, that correspond to specific amino acids in the creation of proteins. The number three seems to be a crucial building block of both the natural and man-made worlds.
The influence of the ‘Power of Three’ extends into spiritual and religious practices as well. In Christianity, the concept of the Holy Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — is a cornerstone of the faith. Hinduism reveres the Trimurti, the trio of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). In many pagan traditions, the Triple Goddess represents the three stages of life: maiden, mother, and crone.
The recurrence of three in religious symbolism speaks to its deep, almost archetypal significance in human culture. In the world of business and marketing, the power of three also reigns supreme. Companies often structure their messages or offers in threes to make them more appealing. A classic example is the “Good, Better, Best” model, which provides consumers with three options, encouraging them to choose the middle or highest-tier product. This model simplifies decision-making for consumers and taps into their desire for balance.
In conclusion, the ‘Power of Three’ is far more than just a pattern — it’s a fundamental principle that enhances communication, structure, and memory. It appears throughout history and across different fields shaping the way we understand the world. Whether it’s in storytelling, science, or marketing, the grouping of three has an almost magical quality that resonates with us on a deep psychological level. It’s no wonder that this principle continues to be a powerful tool for creativity, persuasion, and understanding in modern society.
Darshan Mehta is the founder and CEO of Carmina, a Latin cuisine restaurant in Bangkok, and the host of the “Getting to Aha” podcast. He also the founder of iResearch, an online insights platform that enables companies to quickly, easily, and affordably extract insights from consumers or employees worldwide. He can be reached at dm@iresearch.com.
