18. The Four Types of People - From Nobility to Cruelty

SriRamaJayam

एते सत्पुरुषा: परार्थघटका: स्वार्थं परित्यज्य ये

सामान्यास्तु परार्थमुद्यमभृतः स्वार्थाविरोधेन ये।

तेऽमी मानुषराक्षसा: परहितं स्वार्थाय निघ्नन्ति ये

ये तु घ्नन्ति निरर्थकं परहितं ते के न जानीमहे॥ नीतिशतकम्

This verse beautifully classifies people into four categories based on their approach to self-interest and the welfare of others:

1. Satpurushas (Noble people) – Those who completely renounce self-interest and dedicate themselves entirely to the well-being of others.
2. Saamaanya (Ordinary people) – Those who help others, provided it does not conflict with their own interests.
3. Maanusharaaksasaah (Human demons) – Those who harm others to fulfill their own self-interest.
4. The worst of all – Those who harm others without any purpose or personal gain—their actions are beyond comprehension.

Those who sacrifice their self-interest to serve others are the noblest. Those who help others while ensuring their own interests remain unharmed are ordinary. Those who harm others for personal gain are demons in human form. But as for those who harm others without any reason—who can even comprehend their nature?

SarvamSrikrishnarpanam