HOW TO READ HUMAN NATURE/PART 4
CHAPTER IV
THE TEMPERAMENTS
The
student of Human Nature soon discovers that among men, as among the animals,
there is to be observed a great variety of "quality," and various
classes of "temperament." Among cattle we notice great differences of
form which differences indicate certain qualities inherent in the beast.
Certain qualities are recognized by their outward forms as being indicative of
sturdiness, staying-qualities, strong vitality, etc., which render their
possessor valuable for draught oxen. Other qualities indicate the value of
another animal for meat producing. Others, the production of large quantities
of milk. Others, prolific breeding. And, so on, each set of qualities being
recognized by its outward form and being taken into consideration by breeders.
In the same way, breeders recognize certain qualities in horses which they take
advantage of in breeding for the strength of draught horses; the speed of
thoroughbred runners and trotters; the docility and gentleness of driving
horses and saddle animals. The draught horse and the thoroughbred runner or
trotter may be easily distinguished by the eye of the average person, while it
requires the eye of the expert to distinguish other points and signs of quality
which prove the existence of certain traits of temperament in the animal. The
same is true in the case of chickens and other fowls. Some types are adapted
for laying, others for meat purposes, others for gameness, etc. Not only the
physical qualities but also the temperamental traits of the beast or bird are
distinguished by the expert, and are taken advantage of in breeding to develop
and evolve the indicated trait or quality.
Nearly
anyone may distinguish the temperamental difference between the savage dog and
the affectionate one—between the vicious horse and the docile one. We know at
once that certain dogs may be approached and others kept at a distance—that
certain horses are safe to ride or drive, and that others are unsafe and
dangerous. A visit to a horse and cattle show, or a poultry and pigeon
exhibition, will show even the most skeptical person that Inner States
manifest in Outer Form. And a little further study and observation will show
that what is true of these lower animals is likewise true of the human being.
Men, like animals, may be intelligently and scientifically classified according
to the general "quality" or "temperament." While each
individual is different in a way from every other individual, nevertheless,
each individual belongs to a certain class and may be labelled accordingly. A
few outward signs will indicate his class, and we may confidently expect that
he will manifest the leading qualities of that particular class.
QUALITY
The
first classification of the individuals of the human race is that of Quality.
Independent of the various temperaments, although in a way related to them, we
find the various degrees of Quality manifested by different individuals.
"Quality" may be defined as the "degree of fineness."
It is that which we call "class" in race-horses; "breed" in
other animals and often "blood" in men and women. Perhaps one may
understand the classification better if he will recall the differences apparent
between the mongrel cur and the highbred dog; the "scrub" horse and
the thoroughbred; the common cow and the carefully bred Alderney or other
choice variety; the ordinary barnyard fowl and the prize-winner at the poultry
show. It is an intangible but real and readily recognized difference, which
however is almost impossible to convey by words.
Men
and women of the highest Quality are essentially fine-grained,
possessed of fine feelings, refined natures, high tastes, and manifest the
signs of true natural refinement and culture, which cannot be
successfully imitated by those who have acquired merely the artificial manner
and the outward polish. One may possess Quality in a high degree and still be
ignorant of the forms and little manners of so-called "polite society,"
and yet will be recognized as one of "Nature's noblemen," and as a
"natural gentleman."
Descending
the scale we find lessening degrees of the manifestation of Quality, until,
finally we reach the lowest degree of the scale, that of low Quality.
In this lowest degree we find individuals showing all the outward signs of
being coarse-grained, vulgar, of low tastes, brutal instincts, and manifesting
the signs of lack of refinement and culture. Persons of low Quality are found
in all walks of life. Some of those possessing wealth and education belong to
this class, and are never able to counterfeit the reality. Quality is a matter
of "soul," and not of wealth, education or material advantages. A
greyhound and a hyena give us animal symbols of Quality, high and low.
We
meet many instances in which the individual is of too high Quality for his
environment, occupation or place in life. Such individuals suffer keenly and
are to be pitied. They incline toward high ideals and are wounded and
discouraged by the grossness which they see on all sides. Those individuals of
an average degree of Quality of course fit into the usual environment far
better than those above or below them in the scale. We also meet individuals of
low Quality in surroundings in which they are out of place—we see many
instances of "pigs in the parlor." These individuals, however,
find it much easier to descend to their own level, than it is for the high
Quality individuals to ascend to theirs. The coarse man finds but little
trouble in meeting with boon companions whose tastes are harmonious to his. The
person of extremely high Quality may be said to have been born before his time,
while those of the lowest Quality are atavistic and born after their time.
Remember, always, that Quality is an attribute of "soul," and not of
birth, wealth, or even of education. We may find many "gentlemen" of
humble birth, small means and limited education; and also many "educated
pigs" of high lineage and full coffers.
The
Outer Form of Quality is shown by the relative fineness of
general structure, and by the general form, appearance, manner, motion, voice,
laughter, and more than all by that indescribable impression of
"fineness" and "distinction" which they produce upon
observing persons with whom they come in contact.
It
must be remembered that Quality is a very different thing from intellectuality
or morality. A high Quality person may be immoral and not specially
intellectual, although there is almost always a keenness of
perception, and almost intuitive recognition, in these cases—the immorality is
generally lacking in coarseness, and is usually connected with perversion of
the æsthetic faculties. In the same way, the person of low Quality often may be
moral according to the code, but will be coarse in the manifestation of that
virtue, and may possess a certain low cunning which with many persons passes
for intellect and "brains." In speaking of Quality, the words
"fineness" and "coarseness" come easily to the mind and tongue
and are perhaps the terms most suggestive of the two extremes of this attribute
of the Man.
TEMPERAMENT
Next
in the order of consideration we find what is called Temperament.
Temperament is defined as: "That individual peculiarity of organization by
which the manner of acting, feeling and thinking of each person is permanently
affected; disposition or constitution of the mind, especially as regards the
passions and affections."
Hippocrates,
the ancient Greek philosopher-physician (B. C. 468-367) held to the existence
of four temperaments, which he attributed to certain qualities of the blood and
the several secretions of the body such as the bile, etc. While his theory was
rejected by later investigators, his classification continued until very recently
under the name of (1) the Sanguine; (2) the Lymphatic or Phlegmatic; (3) the
Choleric or Bilious; and (4) the Melancholic temperaments, respectively. As a
matter of general information on the subject we herewith give the old
classification with the attributes of each class:
The Sanguine temperament
was held to be characterized by red or light-brown hair, blue eyes, a fair or
ruddy complexion, large arteries and veins, a full and rapid pulse, slight
perspiration, impatience of heat, febrile tendency, and lively and cheerful
temper, excitable passions, a warm, ardent, impulsive disposition, and a liking
for active pursuits;
The Lymphatic,
or Phlegmatic temperament was held to be characterized by
light, sandy, or whitish hair, light grey eyes, pallid complexion, skin
almost devoid of hair, flabby tissues, much perspiration, small blood-vessels,
a feeble and slow pulse, want of energy, lack of activity, deficient spirit and
vividness;
The Choleric or Bilious temperament
was held to be characterized by black hair often curling, black or hazel eyes,
and dark but ruddy complexion, hairy skin, strong full pulse, firm muscles,
great activity and positiveness, strength of character, and an active brain.
The Melancholic temperament
was held to be characterized by black hair, black or hazel eyes, a dark leaden
complexion, pulse slow and feeble, and a disposition toward study, poetry,
literature, and sentiment.
Some
later authorities added a fifth temperament, called the Nervous temperament,
which was held to be characterized by a medium complexion, large brain, small
physical frame, fineness of organization, thin hair, finely cut features, quick
lively disposition, intellectual tastes and tendencies, sensitive nature, high
capacity for enjoyment and suffering.
The
latest authorities, however, discarded the old classification and adopted one
more simple although fully as comprehensive. The new classification
recognizes three classes of temperament, viz: (1) the Vital;
(2) the Motive; and (3) the Mental, the characteristics of which are held to be
as follows:
The Vital temperament
has its basis in the predominance of the nutritive system, including the
blood-vessels, lymphatics and the glands. Its organs are the heart, lungs,
stomach, liver, bowels, and the entire internal vital system. It is
characterized by a large, broad frame; broad shoulders; deep chest; full round
abdomen; round plump limbs; short thick neck; comparatively small hands and
feet; full face; flushed and florid cheeks; and general "well fed"
appearance. Those in whom it is predominant are fond of out-of-door exercise,
although not of hard work; crave the "good things of life;" fond of
sport, games and play; love variety of entertainment and amusement; are
affectionate; love praise and flattery; prefer concrete rather than abstract
subjects of thought; look out for themselves; are selfish, but yet
"good fellows" when it does not cost too much physical
discomfort to themselves; usually enjoy good health, yet when ill are apt to be
very weak; tend to feverishness and apoplexy, etc.
Persons
of the Vital temperament may have either fair or dark complexion, but in either
case the cheeks and face are apt to be ruddy and flushed. Those of the dark
type are apt to have greater power of endurance, while those of the light type
are apt to be more sprightly and active. This temperament is particularly
noticeable in women, a large proportion of whom belong to its class. This
temperament furnishes the majority of the good companions, sociable friends and
acquaintances, and theatre goers. A leading phrenologist says of them that they
"incline to become agents, overseers, captains, hotel-keepers, butchers,
traders, speculators, politicians, public officers, aldermen, contractors,
etc., rather than anything requiring steady or hard work." We have noticed
that a large number of railroad engineers and policemen are of this
temperament.
The Motive temperament
has as its basis the predominance of the motive or mechanical system, including
the muscles, bones and ligaments—the general system of active work and motion.
Its organs are those of the entire framework of the body, together with those
muscles and ligaments, large and small, general and special, which enable man
to walk, move, and work. It is characterized by strong constitution, physical
power, strong character, active feeling, and tendency toward work; large bones
and joints; hard muscles; angular and rugged figure; usually broad shoulders
and deep chest; comparatively small and flat abdomen; oblong face; large jaw;
high cheek-bones; strong large teeth; bushy coarse hair; rugged features and
prominent nose, ears, mouth, etc. Those in whom it is predominant are fond of
physical and mental work; are tenacious and try to carry through what they
undertake; resist fatigue; are "good stayers;" are full of dogged
persistence and resistance; and are apt to manifest creative effort and work.
Persons
of the Motive temperament may have either dark or light complexion. The Scotch
or Scandanavian people show this temperament strongly, as also do a
certain type of Americans. The world's active workers come chiefly from
this class. This temperament is far more common among men than among women. The
fighting nations who have in different times swept over other countries display
this temperament strongly. This temperament, predominant, although associated
with the other temperaments has distinguished the "men who do things"
in the world's history. It's "raw-bone" and gawkiness has swept
things before it, and has built up great things in all times. Its individuals
have a burning desire to "take hold and pull," or to "get
together and start something." As the name implies, this temperament is
the "moving force" in mankind.
The Mental temperament
has its basis in the predominance of the nervous system, including the brain
and spinal cord. Its organs are the brain, or brains; the spinal cord with its
connecting nerves—in fact the entire nervous system, including the
"sympathetic" nervous system, the various plexi, and the
nervous substance found in various parts of the body. It is characterized by a
light build; slight frame; comparatively large head; quick movements;
sharp features; thin sharp nose; thin lips; sharp and not very strong teeth;
keen, penetrating eye; high forehead and upper head; fondness for brain work;
disinclination for physical drudgery; sensitive nature; quick perception; rapid
mental action; developed intuition; fine and shapely features; expressive
countenance, expressive and striking voice, generally rather "high-strung,"
vividness and intensity of emotion and feeling, etc.
Persons
of this temperament are apt to be more or less "intense;" enjoy and
suffer keenly; are sensitive to reproach or criticism; are inclined to be
sedentary; take a pleasure in "thinking," and often burn their candle
of life at both ends, because of this tendency; and incline to occupations in
which their brains rather than their body is exercised. They may be either of
dark or of light complexion, and in either case are apt to have bright,
expressive eyes. The impression created by an examination of their physical
characteristics is that of sharpness. The fox, weasel, greyhound,
and similar animals illustrate this type. Persons of this temperament are
apt to be either very good or very bad. They
run to extremes, and sometimes execute a quick "right about face."
When properly balanced, this temperament produces the world's greatest thinkers
along all lines of thought. When not properly balanced it produces the
abnormally gifted "genius," between whom and the unbalanced person
there is but a slender line of division; or the eccentric person with his
so-called "artistic temperament," the "crank" with his
hobbies and vagaries, and the brilliant degenerate who dazzles yet horrifies
the world.
BALANCED TEMPERAMENTS
The
best authorities agree in the belief that the Balanced Temperament is the most
desirable. That is, the condition in which the three temperaments balance each
other perfectly, so that the weak points of each are remedied by the strong
points of the others, and the extremes of each are neutralized and held in
check by the influence of the others. Prof. O. S. Fowler, the veteran
phrenologist says upon this point: "A well balanced organism, with
all the temperaments large and in about equal proportion, is by far the best
and most favorable for both enjoyment and efficiency; to general genius and
real greatness; to strength along with perfection of character; to consistency
and power throughout. The Motive large, with the Mental deficient, gives power
with sluggishness, so that the powers lie dormant; adding large Vital gives
great physical power and enjoyment, with too little of the Mental and the
moral, along with coarseness; while the Mental in excess creates too much mind
for body, too much exquisiteness and sentimentality for the stamina, along with
a green-house precocity most destructive of life's powers and pleasures;
whereas their equal balance gives abundance of vital force, physical stamina,
and mental power and susceptibility. They may be compared to the several parts
of a steamboat and its appurtenances. The Vital is the steam-power; the Motive,
the hulk or framework; the Mental, the freight or passengers. Predominant Vital
generates more vital energy than can well be worked off, which causes restlessness,
excessive passion, and a pressure which endangers outbursts and overt actions;
predominant Motive gives too much frame or hulk, moves slowly, and with weak
Mental, is too light-freighted to secure the great ends of life, predominant
Mental overloads, and endangers sinking; but all equally balanced and powerful,
carry great loads rapidly and well, and accomplish wonders. Such persons unite
cool judgments with intense and well-governed feelings; great force of
character and intellect with perfect consistency; scholarship with sound common
sense; far seeing sagacity with brilliancy; and have the highest order of both
physiology and mentality."
Professor
Nelson Sizer, another high authority said: "In nature the temperaments
exist in combination, one being, however, the most conspicuous. So rarely do we
find examples of an even mixture or balance, that it may be said that they who
possess it are marvellous exceptions in the current of human society. Such an
even mixture would indicate a most extraordinary heritage; it would be
constitutional perfection. But, once in a while, a person is met in whom
there is a close approach to this balance, and we are accustomed to speak of it
as a balanced temperament, it being difficult to determine
which element is in predominance."
MIXED TEMPERAMENTS
The
experience of the older phrenologists, which is verified by the investigations
of the later authorities, was that in the majority of persons two of
the temperaments are well developed, the third remaining comparatively
undeveloped. Of the two active temperaments, one is usually
found to be predominant, although in many the two are found to be almost
equally developed. But even in the last mentioned instance one of the two seems
to have been more actively called forth by the environment of the person, and
may therefore be regarded as the ruling temperament. Arising from this fact we
find the several classes of Mixed Temperament, known, respectively, as: the
Vital-Motive; the Motive-Vital; the Motive-Mental; the Mental-Motive; the
Vital-Mental; and the Mental-Vital. In these classes the name of the
predominant, or most active temperament appears first, the second name
indicating the temperament relatively undeveloped or inactive.
The Vital-Motive and
the Motive-Vital temperaments give the combination in which is
manifested physical activity and strong vitality. Those of these temperaments
are adapted to out-of-door work, such as farming, out-of-door trades,
mechanics, soldiers and sailors, and other occupations requiring strong vital
power and muscular strength and activity. The physical characteristics are the
prominent bones and strong muscles of the Motive, and well-rounded limbs and
"stout" forms of the Vital. When the Vital predominates, there is apt
to be more flesh; when the Motive predominates there is apt to be more
ruggedness and muscular development.
The Motive-Mental and Mental-Motive temperaments
give the combination in which is manifested the physical activity of the Motive
and the mental activity of the Motive and the mental activity of the Mental—the
physical and mental characteristics of the Vital being absent. The Mental
element relieves the Motive of some of its crudeness and roughness, while the
Motive relieves the Mental of its tendency to get away from the practical side
of things. The strong frame and muscles are balanced by the brain-development.
Those of this temperament make good practical business men, physicians,
lawyers, scientists, explorers, and others who have to work and think at the
same time. These people often manifest great executive ability. When the Motive
predominates, the tendency is toward out-of-door occupations in which the brain
is used in connection with bodily activity. When the Mental predominates there
is a tendency toward in-door occupations in which active brain work is
required. These people have well-developed heads, together with wiry, strong
bodies. Some of the most successful men have come from this class.
The Vital-Mental and Mental-Vital temperaments
give the combination in which is manifested many attractive traits which render
their possessor agreeable, companionable, and at the same time bright and
intelligent. The Vital element gives a plumpness to the form, while the Mental
imparts a brightness to the mind. This is the temperament of many attractive
women. The Mental activity tends to counterbalance the Vital tendency toward
physical ease and comfort. These people make good orators, after dinner
speakers, and agreeable society men and women, actors, artists, poets, and
popular literary men. The respective predominance of the Mental or the Vital,
in this combination, gives to this class somewhat of a variety, but a little
observation will soon enable one to recognize the individuals belonging to it.
A certain combination in this class produces the trait of
"emotionality," or superficial feeling and sympathy.
The
student of Human Nature should pay much attention to Temperament and the
outward indications of each class and sub-class, for Temperament gives us much
of our best information regarding character and disposition, in fact Character
Reading depends materially upon the interpretation of Temperament.
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