HOW TO READ HUMAN NATURE/PART 10
CHAPTER X
THE APPLICATIVE QUALITIES
The fifth group, known as the Applicative Qualities, is composed of two particular Qualities, known, respectively, as Firmness and Continuity. This group manifests in outer form on the centre-line of the head, just above and just below the "crown," at which latter point Self-Esteem is situated (see Fig. 6).
Fig. 6
THE APPLICATIVE QUALITIES
Firmness. This Quality
manifests in a strong tendency toward stability, tenacity, fixedness of
purpose, and decision. When very highly developed with the reasoning powers
weak it often manifests as stubborness, mulishness, obstinacy, etc. Those in
whom it is largely developed display firmness in decision, are "set in
their ways," cannot be driven by force or converted by argument when they
have once formed an opinion and taken a stand. The "indomitable will"
arises from this Quality, in fact this Quality might well be termed the
"Will Quality," although it manifests by that aspect of Will
which shows itself as fixedness, while its companion Quality, that
of Continuity, manifests the phase of Will known as "stick-to-it-iveness."
Persons in whom Firmness is largely developed make certain decisions and then
abide by them. They may be coaxed but never driven. Prof. O. S. Fowler,
speaking of this Quality, said: "No man ever succeeded without great
will-power to hold on and hold out in the teeth of opposing difficulties. I
never knew a man distinguished for anything, not even crimes, to lack it. It is
an indispensable prerequisite of greatness and goodness. Without it great
talents are of little avail, for they accomplish little; but with it large,
fair to middling capacities accomplish commendable results. Success in life
depends more on this than on any other single attribute."
This
Quality manifests outer form on the centre-line of the back part of the top
head, just above Self-Esteem. The location may be ascertained by holding the
head erect, drawing an imaginary line upward from the opening of the ears
straight to the top of the head to the middle-line or centre of the top of
the head—the location is at this last-point. It is usually quite prominent, and
in many men unusually large. When fully developed it gives a
"tallness" to the head from the opening of the ears to top of head.
When it is weak, there is apt to be a flatness or even a depression at the point
of its location. It also manifests in a "stiff upper lip," that is a
firm upper lip, the latter often being longer than ordinarily. A certain
stiffness of the upper-lip is often noticed when Firmness is habitually
asserted, or in cases when the Quality is temporarily called into play. The
term "stiff upper lip" is more than a mere figurative expression.
Combe says of this Quality: "When this organ predominates it gives a
peculiar hardness to the manner, a stiffness and uprightness to the gait, with a
forcible and emphatic tone to the voice."
Continuity. This propensity
manifests in a strong tendency to "stick-to" a thing once begun,
until it is finished; a disinclination for change; a habit of patient work and
thought; a desire to do but one thing at a time; etc. It is difficult to
interest these people in new things—they hold fast to
the old. They are naturally conservative and are averse to
"new-fangled" things. They are plodders and steady workers, and run
on like a clock when once wound up. They are apt to possess the power of long
and continued concentration upon anything which attracts their attention,
although it is difficult to attract their attention to an entirely new thing.
Prof. Sizer says: "Firmness gives a stiff, determined fortitude, decision
of character; it serves to brace up the other faculties to the work in hand....
Firmness gives determination and obstinacy of purpose, while Continuity gives
a patient, perfecting, plodding application. Of two stone-cutters with equal
Firmness, they will be alike thorough and persevering, but if one has large
Continuity he prefers to use the drill in one place for hours, while the other
with small Continuity craves variety, and prefers to use the chisel in cutting
and dressing the entire surface of the stone."
Continuity
in excess often manifests in "long-windedness," prosiness, boredom,
prolixity and tiresomeness. When it is weak there is manifested a
"flightiness," tendency to change, lack of concentration, attraction
of the new, a shifting of base, change of mind, and general instability and
lack of "stick-to-itiveness." This Quality manifests outer form on
the centre line of the top back of the head, just below the crown (Self-Esteem)
and just above Inhabitiveness (see group figure). Reference to the group figure
will show that it is peculiar in shape, and forms a semi-circular arch over a
part of the top-back head. When fully developed that part of the head is simply
evenly rounded with swelling; when deficient it leaves a hollow, crescent
shape, horns downward. In America we find the majority of people are weak in
Continuity, while in certain other countries it is found largely developed in
the majority of cases. This fact gives to Americans a benefit in certain
directions and a weakness in others.
Both
Firmness and Continuity are manifested almost entirely in connection with the
other Qualities, and are known almost altogether in that way. In themselves
they have almost abstract nature. In determining character, they must be taken
largely into consideration, because their influence on the other Qualities is
very great. In fact they may be said to determine the degree
of application of the other Qualities.
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