THE RELATIVE QUALITIES
The seventh group is known as the Relative Qualities, and is composed of
the following four particular Qualities: _Human Nature_; _Suavity_;
_Sympathy_; and _Imitation_; respectively. The designation "Relative" is
applied to this group, by reason of the fact that its activities are
concerned with the _relations_ between the individual and others of his
kind. The group manifests outer form in the front-upper part of the
head, beginning just above the line of the hair, from which it extends
backward toward the top-head. (See Fig. 8.)
[Illustration: FIG. 8 THE RELATIVE QUALITIES]
HUMAN NATURE. This Quality manifests in a strong desire to read
character, discern human motives, interpret feelings and thoughts, and
to _know_ men and women thoroughly. Those in whom it is large seem to
read the mind, motives and character of those whom they meet, in an
almost intuitive manner--the ideas, feelings, thoughts, motives and
designs of others seem like an open book to them. They are natural
physiognomists, and understand Human Nature in both its inner states
and outer forms. This quality is largely developed in successful
salesmen, detectives, credit-men, politicians, and others whose success
depends largely upon the ability to read the character of those with
whom they come in contact. This Quality concerns itself with the entire
subject matter of this book, and is of the utmost importance to every
individual. It should be developed and trained.
Prof. O. S. Fowler explains its manifestations, and at the same time
directs one along the lines of its cultivation, as follows: "Scan
closely all the actions of men, in order to ascertain their motives and
mainsprings of action; look with a sharp eye at man, woman and child,
all you meet, as if you would read them through; note particularly the
expression of the eye, as if you would imbibe what it signifies; say to
yourself, what faculty prompted this expression and that action? drink
in the general looks, attitude, natural language and manifestations of
men, and yield yourself to the impressions naturally made on you; that
is, study human nature both as a philosophy and a sentiment."
This Quality manifests in outer form on the middle-line of the summit of
the forehead, just where the hair usually begins to appear, and from
thence slightly upward around the curve (see group figure). It is
directly above Analysis and is often mistaken for a continuation
thereof. Its nearness to that Quality indicates its relationship
thereto, the connection being very close; in fact, some authorities have
treated it as a particular phase of Analysis. It is directly in front of
and below Sympathy, which position is also suggestive, for we must first
_understand_ the feelings of others before we can sympathize with them.
It is between the two lobes of Suavity, which position is also
suggestive, for Suavity depends upon an understanding of the character
and feelings of others, in order that we may "fall in" with the same. In
the same way Imitation, which closely adjoins it, depends upon Human
Nature for its copying material. When largely developed this Quality
gives a peculiar fullness and height to the upper forehead.
SUAVITY. This Quality manifests in a strong desire to be _agreeable_,
_suave_, _pleasant_, _polite_ and _attractive_ to other people. Those
in whom it is large possess a charming personality; a "winning way;" are
interesting and agreeable; polite, and often fascinating. They always
say the right thing to the right person at the right time and right
place. They sugar-coat unpleasant truths, and are natural diplomats.
This is the Quality of Tact. These people are "all things to all men,"
and show every evidence of having "kissed the Blarney Stone," and of
understanding the manufacture and use of "soft soap."
With Human Nature large, they, as Prof. O. S. Fowler says "know just how
and when to take and hoodwink men; with Secretiveness (Cunning) large
and Conscientiousness small, are oily and palavering, and flatter
victims, and serpent-like salivate before swallowing." When the
adjoining Quality of Humor is large, they add humor and wit to their
other attractive qualities. This Quality, in normal development, is the
lubricant which makes the wheels of social and business intercourse run
smoothly. In excess it renders one "too smooth" and "oily;" while its
deficiency renders one boorish, unattractive and disagreeable. It
manifests in outer form in the upper-fore part of the head, about the
hair-line, and _on each side of Human Nature_. It is just below
Imitation, just above Logic, and touches the upper side of Mirthfulness
(see group figure). Together with Human Nature, when both are large, it
tends to give a squareness and fullness to the upper part of the
forehead, and a somewhat angular turn to the forehead at that point.
SYMPATHY. This Quality manifests in a strong feeling of kindness,
compassion, benevolence, sympathy, and desire to make and see others
happy. Its manifestation is always altruistic. When largely developed it
causes one to feel the pains of others, and to be unhappy at the sight,
thought or hearing of their pains and woes. When deficient or weak it
allows the person to be callous to the misfortunes of others. When
normally developed it causes one to radiate Kindness, Sympathy and
Compassion, but in excess it renders one miserable because of the
consciousness of the "world-pain," and often causes one to be the victim
of misplaced sympathy and confidence. It is unnecessary to state that
those in whom this propensity is strong are to be found serving their
fellow-men in charitable, philanthropic, and educational work. Some have
it in such excess that they will impoverish themselves and their
families in order to help perfect strangers or the race at large. It
manifests outer form on the fore part of the top head, on the
middle-line, commencing just about where the hair begins and running
back almost to the middle of the top-head. It is immediately in front of
Reverence. When large it tends to give the head a little forward tilt or
inclination, as if toward the person for whom sympathy is felt. In
listening to a story awakening sympathy, one naturally inclines the head
a little forward.
IMITATION. This Quality manifests itself in the strong tendency to
reproduce, copy, take pattern of, or mimic. It plays an important part
in the work of the artist and the actor. It enables one in whom it is
largely developed to enter into the ideas, plans and works of others; to
"catch their spirit;" and to reproduce their work or ideas. In
connection with Ideality it forms a large part of the artistic talent
in all lines of creative work. With large Constructiveness and Ideality,
it makes the inventor and the designer who build upon that which has
gone before that which is new and original. With Self-Esteem small and
Approbativeness large, this Quality will cause the person to "follow my
leader" and imitate others, rather than to assert his own originality
and creative power. This Quality is noticeable principally as a modifier
of the other faculties and propensities. It manifests outer form on the
upper sides of the forehead, toward the top of the head (see group
figure). It lies just below Sympathy, and above Ideality; before
Mysticism, and back of Suavity.