Mankind is made up of a strange set of people. Since the dawn of man we have come so far and yet, in some ways, we have hardly moved on at all. You only need to look at images or read true stories of child abuse, animal cruelty, torture and war to feel that we are still far from civilised.

It is probably fair to say that some men and women will have always looked down on others. During the time that we lived as barbarians in caves no doubt some of those who enjoyed a more prosperous standard of living would have looked down their noses at those who were less blessed.

Since various religions took hold around the world this should have changed.

Certainly Christianity states that “the meek will inherit the earth” and implies that earthly wealth is meaningless. If you think back to the time when countries in Europe, and the USA, were populated with devout Christians ideas of grandeur should have been non existent. As philanthropic Christians people should have been willing to help others financially as well as in other ways. Simply accumulating wealth and possessions goes against the grain of a true christian.

Having said that though it is not a fact that people who have money judge those who don’t.

There will be plenty of people who are snobs and judge people this way. There will also be some who are so lacking in every respect but wealth that will only have money as a means to judge whether or not they are successful. It is a sad fact that such people are only comfortable with themselves when belittling others.

In one sense though many people who have money do judge the poor. They often assume that the poor person has not worked hard enough in life, is uneducated, is a dunce,is a drug user, an alcoholic or even worse. In reality it is no-ones business unless the person living in poverty wants to share their life story. If they did we would often find that mental health issues or abuse have caused untold problems in the person’s life.

Too many people judge quickly and say that “if I can succeed so can everyone”. This is far from the truth and a silly generalisation. Instead of judging those less fortunate thanks your lucky stars that it is not you. If you believe in God remember “There but for the grace of God go you or I”.

Finally try to see the person and not their bank balance, way of life or standard of living. Having less money than your neighbour does not necessarily mean that you will be less happy in this life or a less successful member of the human race.