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 ├Žsthetic 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.