HOW TO READ HUMAN NATURE/PART 6
CHAPTER VI
THE EGOISTIC QUALITIES
The
first group of Qualities is that known as the Egoistic Qualities, which is
composed of two particular Qualities, known, respectively, as Self-Esteem;
and Approbativeness. This group manifests outer form immediately at
the "crown" of the head, and on the sides directly beneath or
"side of" the crown. (See Fig. 2.) It is the seat of the
consciousness of Individuality and Personality, and the tendencies arising
directly therefrom.
Fig. 2
THE EGOISTIC QUALITIES
Self-Esteem. This
Quality manifests in a strong sense of individual power, self-respect,
self-help, self-reliance, dignity, complacency, pride of individuality, and
independence. In excess it tends to produce egotism, abnormal conceit,
imperiousness, etc. Deficiency of it is apt to produce lack of confidence in
self, humility, self-depreciation, etc. It gives to one the ambitious spirit,
and the desire for executive positions and places of authority. It resents
assumption of authority on the part of others, and chafes under restraint.
It renders its possessors dignified and desirous of the respectful recognition
of others. It manifests outer form on the middle line of the head, at the
"crown" (see group figure) just above Approbativeness, where it may
be perceived by reason of the enlargement of the "crown." When fully
developed, it tends to draw back the head, so that the latter is held erect;
whereas, when deficient it allows the head to droop forward in an attitude
lacking the appearance of pride.
Approbativeness. This
Quality manifests in a strong desire for praise, approval, flattery,
recommendation, fame, notoriety, good name, personal display, show and outward
appearance. It is a form of pride different from that of Self-Esteem, for it is
a vanity arising from personal things and outward appearances, whereas
Self-Esteem gives a pride to the inner self or ego. Those in whom it is
well-developed pay great attention to outward form, ceremony, etiquette,
fashion, and social recognition, and are always to be found on the popular side
and "with the crowd." They thrive upon praise, approval and
notoriety, and shrink under censure, disapproval or lack of notice. One with
Self-Esteem can be happy when alone, and in fact often defies public opinion
and fashion from very pride of self; while one with Approbativeness largely
developed lacks the pride to rise above approval and the opinion of others,
while possessing a strong sense of vanity when public favor is bestowed. It
manifests outer form at the upper-back part of the head, just above
Cautiousness and below Self-Esteem, (see group figure). When largely developed
it rises like two mounts on either side of Self-Esteem, but when Self-Esteem is
large and Approbativeness is small, the latter appears as two sunken places on either
side of Self-Esteem.
Self-Esteem
values the real self while Approbativeness values the appearances of
personality. The one pursues the substance, the other the shadows. Self-Esteem
and Approbativeness are often confused in the minds of the public. The true
keynote of the first is Pride; of the second, Vanity. The student should learn
to carefully distinguish between these two Qualities. Approbativeness may
cause one to make a monkey of himself in order to win notice, praise or
laughter, while Self-Esteem will never sacrifice self-respect and pride in
order to win applause.
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