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).
[Illustration: 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.