Dec 09
11
Which Are You?
For years psychologists have attempted to divide people into various categories. Sometimes an observant poet can do a better job. Ella Wheeler Wilcox did so in the poem “Which Are You?”
There are two kinds of people on earth today;
Just two kinds of people, no more, I say.
Not the sinner and saint, for it’s well understood,
That the good are half-bad and the bad half-good.
Not the rich and the poor, for to rate a man’s wealth,
You must first know the state of his conscience and health.
Not the humble and proud, for in life’s little span,
Who puts on vain airs, is not counted a man.
Not the happy and sad, for the swift flying years
Bring each man his laughter and each man his tears.
No; the two kinds of people on earth I mean,
Are the people who lift, and the people who lean.
Whenever you go, you will find the earth’s masses,
Are always divided in just these two classes.
And oddly enough, you will find too, I ween,
There’s only one lifter to twenty who lean.
In which class are you? Are you easing the load,
Of overtaxed lifters, who toil down the road?
Or are you a leaner, who lets others share
Your portion of labor, and worry and care?
These are good questions we must ask ourselves because our answers will have a huge impact on our relationships. People tend to add value to others, lessening their load and lifting them up, or they take away value from others, thinking only of themselves and taking people down in the process.
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View Comments "Which Are You?"
Very true. Its a fine balance of lifting and leaning that creates a life that is fulfilling for all.
Hi,
Very well said.
Hi,
Very well said.