Mishnah for This Hour: A Timely Take on Pirkei Avot 5:10
“There are Four Types of People:”
This applies to every man and every woman — from a flower vendor to a prime minister.
“One who says, ‘What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is yours’ — this is the trait of an average person.”
This is someone who does not see the other, is so focused on his own needs, he fails to understand the needs of others.
“And some say: this is the trait of Sodom.”
Because ignoring the “other” can result in terrible behavior.
“What’s mine is yours, and what’s yours is mine — an ignoramus.”
This is someone who is confused — has forgotten their roots, their values, and has lost their identity.
“What’s mine is yours, and what’s yours is yours — a pious person (chasid).”
A chasid — from the word chesed (kindness) — understands that showing love to others doesn’t diminish what belongs to oneself; it only increases what others have.
“What’s yours is mine, and what’s mine is mine — a wicked person (rasha).”
This refers to someone who is willing to sacrifice the lives of their own people in order to take what is not theirs.
