Famous Friendship Poem

In "The Two Kinds of People" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, she divides humanity into two groups: lifters and leaners. The lifters are those who actively help and support others, while the leaners rely on others for assistance. The poem challenges readers to reflect on their role and urges them to become lifters, making a positive impact on the world.

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Famous Poem

The Two Kinds Of People

Ella Wheeler Wilcox By more Ella Wheeler Wilcox

There are two kinds of people on earth to-day;
     Just two kinds of people, no more, I say.

Not the sinner and saint, for it’s well understood,
     The good are half bad and the bad are 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.

Wherever 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?

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