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.
[Illustration: 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.