We can all learn a valuable lesson about the types of behavior and attitudes to avoid like the plague, simply by observing the characteristics of people we all know are low class. Being low class is not a function of the lack of money or social status. I've seen rich people and those high on the social ladder who were very low class. I've also observed folks who were living below the poverty level and low on the social scale who were very high class people. It also has nothing to do with race or ethnic background. Instead, being low class is strictly a matter of behavior and attitudes.

Most of us exhibit some low class characteristics once in a while. We are all human and that's normal. However, those who exhibit more than half of these characteristics most of the time need to seriously re-examine their lives. They are in danger of becoming low class, if they aren't already.

We all know that low class people rarely achieve real success in life. Most successful people, on the other hand, possess qualities that are the complete opposite. Here are some characteristics of the low class to try on for size:

They have no desire to improve themselves, but they wouldn't mind having someone else come along and give them a boost.

They always stand ready to guard their rights, although they don't mind trampling on someone else's.

They blame others for their lack of success.

Nothing motivates them more than the prospect of easy money.

They have no problem with ill-gotten gain.

They've never heard a conspiracy theory they didn't believe.

They can't express themselves verbally without the use of profanity.

The more that's given to them, the more they complain about not having been given more.

They are waiting for their ship to come in.

Use of proper grammar is never a priority for them.

They spend more than five percent of their income on lottery tickets.

They've developed a sense of entitlement. They feel that the world owes them something. Therefore, they feel no need for gratitude.

They've made a habit of never paying their bills on time and are constantly dodging their creditors.

They won't do any more work than they absolutely have to. They see no dishonor in being a slacker. In fact, they take pride in their indolence.

They think they should be able to do whatever makes them feel good and whatever satisfies their urges, without any natural consequences.

They wink at immoral behavior.

The concepts of restraint, self discipline, and delayed gratification are foreign to them.

They've become experts at making excuses for themselves.

They live to have what they want and have it immediately.

They refuse to take personal responsibility for their own actions.

They constantly suspect others of ulterior motives.

They are always looking to cut corners and take short cuts.

They can't accept losses or setbacks gracefully.

They find The Jerry Springer Show more interesting than a presidential debate.

People can easily discern that they have an attitude just by observing the expression on their face.

Terry Mitchell is a software engineer, freelance writer, and trivia buff from Hopewell, VA. He also serves as a political columnist for American Daily and operates his own website - http://www.commenterry.com - on which he posts commentaries on various subjects such as politics, technology, religion, health and well-being, personal finance, and sports. His commentaries offer a unique point of view that is not often found in mainstream media.