One way to look at people is in three types, and they are subject to change with time and understanding. There are people who know nothing about God (or don't want to deal with Him). This is another situation for another day. The people who do know God in some way have one of the two basic attitudes Jesus describes in Luke 18. They are both concerned with their relationship with God.
One is the professional "good person". The ones Jesus had the most hassle from in His day were those who were very pious, which in Hebrew were referred to as Pharisees. They made a point of studying Scripture, and being experts on what they believed God wanted. We still see this today; people who take seriously what they believe God requires. They also believe in telling everybody around them what that is, and how careful they are to be perfect. Literally they are often right, but there are some important ideas that they've missed. The Pharisee in Jesus' parable is convinced that he is right about everything, down to the most minute of details. He is also convinced that God should appreciate and reward him for being such a good,conscientious person--especially in contrast to other people who are not perfect. I've known people who don't see why they need a Savior--they're fine, don't steal from people or beat their wives. (The kids maybe, need a good lesson every now and then.) And the neighbors--pretty hopeless.
The other person, the one that the Pharisee looked down his nose and judged, was not perfect. One
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