I often write about the danger of “labeling”. When we label, or categorize, we “judge” people, so that we don’t see them as they really are but only as we observe, interpret them. In today’s considerations, I might seem to contradict myself. Anyway, who doesn’t? As we live in a contradictory world, based on contrast, on duality, on opposites, it should not be totally unacceptable, should it? What I mean when I say that we should not label people, is that we have no right to say, “They are….such and such”. The person is what he or she is and neither I nor you actually know their real nature. What I am going to share here is, yes, a sort of “categorizing”, but not the person but rather the behavior. I often reflect about how human beings carry out their lives, what they actually “do” and the impact their actions have on others. I see five main types.
1. Those who do EVIL (upper case). We cannot deny the existence of some individuals whose deeds — both in the past and in contemporary times — have caused and are causing great pain in other human beings. Just think of massacre instigators, warmongers, killers, betrayers, abusers…This type of people make the lives of others miserable, painful, hopeless. They enjoy or don’t care about the suffering they inflict in order to gain personal power, material benefit, control, revenge.
2. Then there are those who do “evil” (lower case). It is the case of dishonest individuals whose actions do not have a life or death impact on others, but who nevertheless contribute to make someone else’s existence less serene. They are those who influence others negatively with their actions or ideas, who try to cheat or outsmart anyone else in a mean way, the “though” guys, those who have the “home dictator” syndrome, the “boss attitude” disease etc.
3. The largest group includes the people who do neither good nor bad. They do not behave “badly”, they simply act in an “indolent” way. They try to avoid getting tired with too much action or too much thinking. They are contented to live their lives without ever wondering about how their dear ones feel, about taking care of someone else’s needs, without feeling the desire to learn more, to do more, to improve themselves, to be helpful to others. Dante Alighieri, the greatest Italian poet, author of “The Divine Comedy”, when he meets the souls of such people in his imaginary journey through the “Hereafter”, and wants to know who they are, his mentor and guide, the Latin poet Virgil — answers him, “Don’t take any notice of them. Just look and move on”. What he means is: They don’t deserve to be remembered and even talked about because their lives have been totally fruitless. Who would like to have something like that said about him/herself? Would you? Are you among those who don’t care? It’s the attitude of most. Doesn’t the old saying say, “Ignorance is bliss”?
4. Next come the human beings who do “good”. They endeavor to be helpful, they are never rude, try their best to improve themselves and provide a good example to their children, friends or anyone who just knows them. They are pleasant to be with, they carry out their duties with attention and honesty, they are always willing to do their best, they available and serviceable. They are usually popular and loved.
5. The final group concerns those who did and those who do GOOD (upper case). I believe there is no need to explain this at length. There have been in the past, and there are now, individuals whose mission in life is to be of service to their fellow humans. They dedicate their whole existence to helping others in any way that is suitable to their situation, condition and capability. Great benefactors, volunteers, teachers, doctors… people who have the deep desire to use their skills exclusively to help those who may benefit from them. Their existence is selfless, they dedicate all their strength, knowledge and capabilities in favor of others, often forgetting their own needs.
Now… the big question. In which category do you see yourself? Are you interested in finding out? Excluding the two “upper case” (at least number one, I hope!!), there are three more to examine in depth. Good luck!
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