The Thoracic Type
"The Thriller"
Individuals in whom the circulatory system (heart, arteries and blood
vessels) and the respiratory system (lungs, nose and chest) are more
highly developed than any other systems, have been named the Thoracics.
This name comes from the fact that the heart and lungs (which
constitute the most important organs of these two closely-allied
systems) are housed in the thorax--that little room made by your ribs
for the protection of these vital organs.
Physical Resilience
A general elasticity of structure, a suggestion of sinews and physical
resilience characterizes this type.
The Florid-Faced, High-Chested Individual
What is known as a "red face," when accompanied by a high chest,
always signifies large thoracic tendencies. The high color which in an
adult comes and goes is a sure indication of a well developed
circulatory system, since high color is caused by the rapid pumping of
blood to the tiny blood vessels of the face.
People with little blood, weak hearts or deficient circulation are not
florid and must be much overheated or excited to show vivid color in
their cheeks.
Betray Their Feelings
On the other hand, the slightest displeasure, enjoyment, surprise or
exertion brings the blood rushing to the face and neck of him who has a
large, well-developed blood-system. How many times you have heard such a
one say: "I am so embarrassed! I flush at every little thing! How I envy
the rest of you who come in from a long walk looking so cool!"
The Man of Great Chest Expansion
The largest part of this man's body is around the chest. (See Chart 3)
His chest is high for the reason that he has larger lungs than the
average.
Advantages of a High Chest
The man of unusual chest-expansion has one great physical asset. The
person who breathes deeply has a decided advantage over the man who
breathes deficiently. The lungs form the bellows or air-supply for the
body's engine, the heart, and with a deficient supply of air the heart
does deficient work. Efficient breathing is easy only to the man of
large lungs, and only the high chested have large lungs.
Long-Waisted People
A long waist is another thoracic sign, for it is a natural result of
the extra house-room required by the large lungs and heart. It is easily
detected in both men and women. (See Chart 3)
If you are a close observer you have noticed that some people appear to
have a waist line much lower than others; that the belt line dividing
the upper part of the body from the lower is proportionately much nearer
the floor in some than in others of the same height.
Passing of the "Wasp Waist"
The "straight-up-and-down" lines of today's woman and the slimpsy
shoulder-to-heel garments she wears have obliterated her waistline, but
you will recall how differently the old "wasp waist" fashions of a score
of years ago betrayed the secrets of the short and long waist.
The eighteen-inch belt, of which we were so falsely proud in 1900, told
unmistakable facts about milady's thoracic development.
Belts vs. Suspenders
As the tell-tale belt disappeared from woman's wardrobe it appeared in
man's, and now betrays the location of his waist with an exactness of
which the old-fashioned suspenders were never guilty.
To Test Yourself
If you are a man and have difficulty in getting ready-made coats long
enough for you this is certain proof that you have decided thoracic
tendencies. If you are a woman who has to forego many a pretty gown
because it is not long enough in the waist, the same is true of you.
In women this long waist and high chest give the appearance of small
hips and of shoulders a little broader than the average; in men it gives
that straight, soldier-like bearing which makes this type of man admired
and gazed after as he strides down the street.
The Pure Thoracic Head
A high head is a significant characteristic of the typical Thoracic.
(See Chart 4) The Anglo-Saxons tend to have this head and, more than any
other races, exhibit thoracic qualities as racial characteristics.
This is considered the handsomest head known. Certainly it lends the
appearance of nobility and intelligence. It is not wide, looked at from
the front or back, but inclines to be slightly narrower for its height
than the Alimentive head.
The Kite-Shaped Face
A face widest through the cheek bones and tapering slightly up the
sides of the forehead and downward to the jaw bones is the face of the
pure Thoracic. (See Chart 4) This must not be mistaken for the pointed
chin nor the pointed head, but is merely a sloping of the face upward
and downward from the cheek bones as a result of the unusual width of
the nose section. (See Chart 4)
His Well-Developed Nose
The nose section is also high and wide because the typical Thoracic
has a nose that is well developed. This is shown not only by its length
but by its high bridge.
[Illustration: 4 Typical Thoracic face]
The cause for the width and length of this section is obvious. The
nose constitutes the entrance and exit departments of the breathing
system. Large lung capacity necessitates a large chamber for the intake
and expulsion of air.
Signs of Good Lungs
Whenever you see a man whose face is wide through the cheek
bones--with a long, high-bridged open-nostrilled nose--you see a man of
good lung capacity and of quick physical energy. When you see any one
with pinched nostrils, a face that is narrow through the cheek bones and
a low or "sway-back" nose, you see a man whose lung capacity is
deficient. Such a person invariably expends his physical energy more
slowly.
Freckles, being due to the same causes as red hair and high color, are
further indications of thoracic tendencies, though you may belong to
this type with or without them.
The Typical Thoracic Hand
The pointed hand is the hand of the pure Thoracic. (See Chart 4) Note
the extreme length of the second finger and the pointed effect of this
hand when all the fingers are laid together. Any person with a pointed
hand such as this has good thoracic development whether it occupies
first place in his makeup or not.
The fingers of the Thoracic are also inclined to be more thin-skinned
than those of other types.
One may be predominantly Thoracic without these elements but they are
indications of the extreme Thoracic type. Naturally the hand of the
extreme Thoracic is more pink than the average.
The Beautiful Foot
The Thoracic tends to have more narrow, high-arched feet than other
types. As a result this type makes the majority of the beautifully shod.
The Man of Energetic Movements
A hair-trigger nimbleness goes with this type. He is always "poised
ready to strike."
All Thoracics use their hands, arms, wrists, limbs and feet alertly and
energetically. They open doors, handle implements and all kinds of hand
instruments with little blundering. Also their movements are more
graceful than those of other types.
The Thoracic Walk
"The springy step" must have been invented to describe the walk of the
Thoracic. No matter how hurried, his walk has more grace than the walk
of other types. He does not stumble; and it is seldom that a Thoracic
steps on the train of his partner's gown.
The Graceful Sitter
The way you sit tells a great deal about your nature. One of the first
secrets it betrays is whether you are by nature graceful or ungainly.
The person who sits gracefully, who seems to drape himself becomingly
upon a chair and to arise from it with ease is usually a Thoracic.
Their excess of energy sometimes gives them the appearance of
"fidgeting," but it is an easy, graceful fidget and not as disturbing as
that of other types.
Keen Eye and Ear Senses
Quick eyes and keen ears are characteristic of the Thoracics. The
millions of stimuli--the sounds, sights and smells impinging every
waking moment upon the human consciousness--affect him more quickly and
more intensely than any other type. The acuteness of all our senses
depends, to a far greater extent than we have hitherto supposed, upon
proper heart and lung action.
Take long, deep breaths for five minutes in the open air while walking
rapidly enough to make your heart pound, and see how much keener your
senses are at the end of that time.
The Thoracic is chronically in this condition because his heart and
lungs are going at top speed habitually and naturally all his life.
Susceptible to Heat
Because bodily temperature varies according to the amount of blood and
the rapidity of its circulation, this type is always warmer than others.
He is extremely susceptible to heat, suffers keenly in warm rooms or
warm weather and wears fewer wraps in winter. The majority of bathers at
the beaches in summer are largely of this type.
The High-Strung
Nerves as taut as a violin string--due to his acute physical senses
and his thin, sensitive skin--plus his instantaneous quickness make the
Thoracic what is known as "high-strung."
The Most Temperamental
Because he is keyed to high C by nature, the Thoracic has more of that
quality called temperament than any other type.
The wag who said that "temperament was mostly temper" might have
reversed it and still have been right. For temper is largely a matter of
temperament. Since the Thoracics have more "temperament" it follows
naturally that they have more temper, or rather that they show it
oftener, just as they show their delightful qualities oftener.
A Continuous Performance
This type, consciously and unconsciously, is a "continuous
performance." He is showing you something of himself every moment and if
you are interested in human nature, as your reading of this book
suggests, you are going to find him a fascinating subject. He is
expressing his feelings with more or less abandon all the time and he is
likely to express as many as a dozen different ones in as many moments.
The Quick Temper
"Flying off the handle," and "going up in the air" are phrases
originally inspired by our dear, delightful friends, the Thoracics.
Other types do these more or less temperamental things but they do not
do them as frequently nor on as short notice as this type.
The Human Firefly
A fiery nature is part and parcel of the Thoracic's makeup. But did
you ever see a fiery-natured man who didn't have lots of warm friends!
It is the grouch--in whom the fire starts slowly and smoulders
indefinitely--that nobody likes. But the man who flares up, flames for a
moment and is calm the next never lacks for companions or devotees.
The Red-Haired
One may belong to the Thoracic type whether his hair is blonde or
brunette or any of the shades between, but it is an interesting fact
that most of the red-haired are largely of this type. "He didn't have
red hair for nothing" is a famous phrase that has been applied to the
red-haired, quick-tempered Thoracic for generations.
You will be interested to note that this high color and high chest are
distinctly noticeable in most of the red-haired people you know--certain
proof that they approximate this type.
As you walk down the street tomorrow look at the people ahead of you and
when you find a "red-head" notice how much more red his neck is than
the necks of the people walking beside him. This flushed skin almost
always accompanies red hair, showing that most red-haired people belong
to this type.
The "Flash in the Pan"
The red-haired man's temper usually expends itself instantly. His
red-hot fieriness is over in a moment. But for every enemy he has two
friends--friends who like his flame, even though in constant danger from
it themselves.
Whereas the Alimentive avoids you if he disagrees with you, the Thoracic
likes to tell you in a few hot words just what he thinks of you. But the
chances are that he will be so completely over it by lunch time that he
will invite you out with him.
Desire for Approbation
To be admired and a wee bit envied are desires dear to the heart of
this type. Everybody, to a greater or lesser degree, desires these
things, but to no other type do they mean so much as to this one. We
know this because no other type, in any such numbers, takes the trouble
or makes the sacrifices necessary to bring them about.
Acts Indicate Desires
The ego of every individual craves approval but the majority of the
other types craves something else more--the particular something in each
case depending upon the type to which the individual belongs.
You can always tell what any individual WANTS MOST by what he DOES. The
man who _thinks_ he wants a thing or wishes he wanted it talks about
getting it, envies those who have it and _plans_ to start doing
something about it. But the man who really WANTS a thing GOES AFTER it,
sacrifices his leisure, his pleasures and sometimes love itself--and
GETS it.
Shines in Public Life
The lime-light appeals more to this type than to others because it
goes further toward gratifying his desire for approbation. So while
other men and women are dreaming of fame the Thoracic practises, ploughs
and pleads his way to it.
The personal adulation of friends and of the multitude is the breath of
life to him. Extremes of this type consider no self-denial too great a
price to pay for it.
Many on the Stage
The stage in all its forms is as natural a field to the Thoracic as
salesmanship is to the Alimentive. The pleas of fond papas and fearsome
mamas are usually ineffective with this type of boy or girl when he sets
his heart on a career before the foot-lights or in the movies.
Whether they achieve it or not will depend on other, and chiefly mental,
traits in each individual's makeup, but the yearning for it in some form
is always there. So the managers' waiting rooms are always crowded with
people of this type. It is this intensity of desire which has goaded and
inspired most stage artists on to success in their chosen fields.
"Put Yourself in His Place"
To be able to put one's self in the role of another, to feel as he
feels; to be so keenly sensitive to his situation and psychology that
one almost becomes that person for the time being, is the heart and soul
of acting.
The Thoracic has this sensitiveness naturally. After long study and
acquaintance you may be able to put yourself in the place of a few
friends. The Thoracic does this instantly and automatically.
Tendency, Not Toil, Makes Fame
Those who have succeeded to fame in any given line are wont to
proclaim, "Hard work is the secret of success," and to take great credit
unto themselves for the labor they have expended on their own.
It is true of course that all success entails hard work. But the man or
woman sufficiently gifted to rise to the heights gets from that gift
such a strong inward urge towards its expression that what he does in
that direction is not work to him. The long hours, concentration and
study devoted to it are more pleasurable than painful to him. He chooses
such activities voluntarily.
Nature the Real Artist
Nothing can rightly be called work which one does out of sheer
preference. Work never made an actress and work never made a singer
where innate talent for these arts was lacking. Nature, the true maker
of every famous name, bestows ninety per cent and man, if he hustles,
can provide the other very necessary ten. But his sense of humor if not
his sense of justice should be sufficient to prevent his trying to rob
the Almighty of His due.
Success for All
Every individual who is not feeble-minded can be a success at
something in this big world. Every normal-minded individual is able to
create, invent, improve, organize, build or market some of the myriads
of things the world is crying for. But he will succeed at only those
things in which his physiological and psychological mechanisms perform
their functions easily and naturally.
Why We Work
Man is, by inclination, very little of a worker. He is, first, a
wanter--a bundle of instincts; second, a feeler--a bundle of emotions;
last and least, he is a thinker. What real work he does is done not
because he likes it but because it serves one of these first two bundles
of instincts.
When the desire for leisure is stronger than the other urges, leisure
wins. But in all ambitious men and women the desire for other things
outweighs the leisure-urge.
Ambition and Type
Now what is it that causes some to have ambition and others to lack
it?
Your ambitions take the form determined by your predominating
physiological system. For instance, in every great singer the Thoracic
has been present either as the first or second element.
The effect of the physical upon our talents is no more marked anywhere
than here. For it is his unusual lung power, his high chest, the
sounding boards in his nose section and his superior vocal cords that
make the real foundation of every singer's fame. These physiological
conditions are found in extreme degree only in persons of thoracic
tendencies.
It was the great lung-power of Caruso that made him a great singer. It
was his remarkable heart-power that brought him through an illness in
February, 1921, when every newspaper in the world carried on its front
page the positive statement that he could not live another day. That he
lived for six months afterward was due chiefly to his remarkable heart.
The nature resulting from a large heart and large lungs is one
distinctly different from all others--in short, the Thoracic nature.
The Best Dressed
The best dressed man and the best dressed woman in your town belong
predominantly to this type. This is no accident. The Thoracics, being
possessed of acute eye senses, are more sensitive to color and line than
any other type. These are the foundations of "style" and artistic
grooming.
Clothes Can Unmake the Man
Being desirous of the approval of others and realizing that though
clothes do not make the man they can unmake him, this type looks to his
laurels on this point.
Because clothes determine the first impressions we make upon strangers
and because that impression is difficult to change, clothes are of vast
importance in this maze of human relationships.
The Thoracic is more sensitive to the attitude of others because their
attitude is more vital to his self-expression. He senses from childhood
the bearing that clothes have for or against him in the opinion of
others and how they can aid him to express his personality.
The Glass of Fashion
The Thoracic therefore often becomes "the glass of fashion and the
mold of form." His consciousness of himself is so keen that, even when
alone, he prefers those things in dress which are at once fine, fancy
and fashionable.
Some types are indifferent to clothes, some ignorant of clothes and some
defiant in their clothes but the Thoracic always has a keen sense of
fitness in the matter of apparel.
Distinction in Dress
The distinctive dresser is one who essays the extremely fashionable,
the "last moment" touch. He is always a step or two ahead of the times.
His ties, handbags, handkerchiefs and stick pins are "up to the minute."
Such a man or woman invariably has a large thoracic development and is
well repaid by the public for his pains.
Dress the Universal Language
The public looks more eagerly than we suppose to changes in styles and
fads. It gives, in spite of itself, instantaneous admiration of a sort
to those who follow the dictates of fashion. This being one of the
quickest roads to adulation, it is often utilized by this type.
The Newest in Hairdressing
The latest thing in coiffures is always known by the Thoracic woman.
And because she is, more often than any other type, a beautiful woman
she can wear her hair in almost any style and find it becoming.
So when puffs were the thing this type of woman not only wore puffs but
the most extreme and numerous puffs. When the "sticking-to-the-face"
style was in vogue she bought much bandoline and essayed the sleekest
and shiniest head of all. When the ear-bun raged she changed those same
paper-like curls over night into veritable young sofa cushions.
Always on "Dress Parade"
With intent to keep the spotlight on himself the Thoracic is always on
dress parade. He is vividly aware of himself; he knows what kind of
picture he is making. He is seldom "self-conscious," in the sense of
being timid. When he does happen to be timid he suffers, by reason of
his greater desire for approval, more acutely than any other type.
Affectability His Keynote
Instantaneous reaction to stimuli--with all the reflex actions
resulting therefrom--constitutes the keynote of this type. This makes an
individual who is physiologically and psychologically affectable.
Because life is full of all kinds of stimuli, acting during every waking
moment upon every sense in the organism, any person who is high strung
finds himself in the midst of what might be called "nerve-bedlam."
Gets the Most Out of Everything
Because of this same highly sensitized makeup the Thoracic gets more
sensations out of every incident than the rest of us do. He experiences
more joy in the space of a lifetime but also more disappointment.
The Human Violin
For the same reason that the violin vibrates to a greater number of
sounds than the organ, the Thoracic is a more vibrant individual than
others. He is impelled to an expressiveness of voice, manner and action
that often looks like pretence to less impulsive people. In other types
it would be, but to the Thoracic it is so natural and normal that he is
often much surprised to hear that he has the reputation of being
"affected."
A Reputation for Flightiness
This lightning-like liveliness of face, body and voice, his quick
replies and instantaneous reactions to everything also cause him to be
called "flighty."
The Quick Thinker
We are prone to judge every one by ourselves. People whose mental or
physical senses are less "keyed-up," less sensitive, call the Thoracic
"rattle-brained."
Usually such a man's brain is not rattled at all; it is working, as all
brains do in response to the messages reaching it, via the telegraph
wires of the five senses.
In the Thoracic these wires happen to be more taut than in the other
types. He gets sensations from sights, sounds, tastes, touches and
smells much more quickly than the rest of us do. These messages are sent
to the brain more rapidly and, since sensation is responsible for much
of our thinking, this man's brain thinks a little more speedily than
that of other types.
It does not necessarily think any better. Often it does need slowing
down. But compared to the thought-power of some of the other types the
Thoracic's speed makes up for much of his carelessness. He makes more
mistakes in judgment than other types but can "right-about-face" so
quickly he usually remedies them while other types are still trying to
decide when to start.
To hold himself back is the hardest lesson for this type to learn.
His Changeability
This tendency to let himself go brings the Thoracic a great deal of
unhappiness and failure. He plunges so quickly that he often fails to
take into consideration the various elements of the situation.
His physical senses tell him a thing should be done and rush him
headlong into actions that he knows are ill-advised the moment he has
time to think them over. In turning around and righting his mistakes he
often hears himself called "changeable" and "vacillating."
His "Batting Average"
In this, as in other things, we have a tendency toward smugness,
shortsightedness and egotism. The man who makes but one mistake a year
because he makes but two decisions is wrong fifty per cent of the time.
Yet he self-satisfiedly considers himself superior to the Thoracic
because he has caught the latter in six "poor deals within six months."
At the rate the average Thoracic acts this would be about one mistake in
a thousand--a much "better batting average" than the other man's.
But because the confidence of others in our stability is of prime
importance to us all, this type or any one inclined to definite thoracic
tendencies should take pains to prevent this impression from settling
into the minds of his friends.
Should Get Onto the Highway
The greatest reason for striving toward stability in action and more
slowness in decision, however, is for his own future's sake. The man who
is constantly making decisions and being compelled to alter them gets
nowhere. He may have the best engine and the finest car in the world but
if he runs first down this by-path, and then that, he will make little
progress on the main highway.
Should Have an Aim
An aim, a definite goal is essential to the progress of any
individual. It should be made with care and in keeping with one's
personality, talents, training, education, environment and experience,
and having been made should be adhered to with the determination which
does not permit little things to interfere with it.
Eliminating Non-Essentials
The big problem of individual success is the problem of eliminating
non-essentials--of "hewing to the line, letting the chips fall where
they may." Most of the things that steal your time, strength, money and
energy are nothing but chips. If you pay too much attention to them you
will never hew out anything worth while.
No Vain Regrets
If you are a Thoracic don't regret the fact that you are not a
one-decision-a-year man, but try to make fewer and better decisions.
Your quickness, if called into counsel, will enable you to see from what
instincts your mistakes habitually arise and the direction in which most
of them have pointed. And you will see this with so much greater
dispatch than the average person that you will lose little time.
You should begin today to analyze your most common errors in judgment
that you may guard against their recurrence.
Always Slightly Thrilled
Even when apparently composed the Thoracic is always a wee bit
thrilled. Everything he sees, hears, touches, tastes or smells gives him
such keen sensations that he lives momentarily in some kind of
adventure.
He languishes in an unchanging environment and finds monotony almost
unbearable.
Lights and Shadows
"Never two minutes the same" fitly describes this type. He passes
rapidly from one vivid sensation to another and expresses each one so
completely that he is soon ready for the next. He has fewer complexes
than any other type because he does not inhibit as much.
The Uncorked Bottle
The "lid" is always off of the Thoracic. This being the case he
suffers little from "mental congestion" though he sometimes pays a high
price for his self-expression.
Everybody is Interesting
Most of us are much more interesting than the world suspects. But the
world is not made up of mind readers. We keep our most interesting
thoughts and the most interesting side of ourselves hidden away. Even
your dearest friends are seldom given a peep into the actual You. And
this despite the fact that we all recognize this as a deficiency in
others.
We bottle up ourselves and defy the world's cork-screws--all save the
Thoracic. He allows his associates to see much of what is passing in his
mind all the time. Because we are all interested in the real individual
and not in masks this type usually is much sought after.
Not Secretive
The Thoracic does not by preference cover up; he does not by
preference secrete; he does not, except when necessary, keep his plans
and ways dark. He is likely to tell not only his family but his newest
acquaintances just what he is planning to do and how he expects to do
it.
The naturally secretive person who vaguely refers to "a certain party"
when he has occasion to speak of another is the exact opposite of this
type.
His "Human Interest"
We are all interested in the little comings and goings of our
friends. Upon this fact every magazine and newspaper builds its "human
interest" stories. We may be indifferent to what the President of the
United States is doing about international relations but what he had for
breakfast is mighty interesting. Few people read inaugural addresses,
significant though they often are to the world and to the reader
himself. But if the President would write ten volumes on "Just How I
Spend My Sundays," it would be a "best seller."
Naturally Confidential
Personal experiences, personal secrets and personal preferences are
subjects we are all interested in. These are the very things with which
the Thoracic regales his friends and about which he is more frank and
outspoken than any other type. He makes many friends by his obvious
openness and his capacity for seeing the interesting details which
others overlook.
Charming Conversationalist
Colorful, vivid words and phrases come easily to the tongue of this
type for he sees the unusual, the fascinating, in everything. Since any
one can make a thing interesting to others if he is really interested
in it himself, the Thoracic makes others see and feel what he describes.
He is therefore known as the most charming conversationalist.
Beautiful Voice
The most beautiful voices belong to people who are largely of this
type. This is due, as we have said before, to physiological causes. The
high chest, sensitive vocal cords, capacious sounding boards in the nose
and roof of the mouth all tend to give the voice of the Thoracic many
nuances and accents never found in other types.
His pleasing voice plus the vividness of his expressions and his lack of
reticence in giving the intimate and interesting details are other
traits which help to make the Thoracic a lively companion.
The Lure of Spontaneity
The most beloved people in the world are the spontaneous. We lead such
drab lives ourselves and keep back so much, we like to see a little
Niagara of human emotion occasionally. The Thoracic feels everything
keenly. Life's experiences make vivid records on the sensitive plate of
his mind. He puts them on the Victrola that is himself and proceeds to
run them off for your entertainment.
Sometimes a "Bubbler"
"A constant stream of talk" must have been first said in describing
this type. For while others are carefully guarding their real feelings
and thoughts the Thoracic goes merrily on relieving himself of his.
More sedate and somber types call the Thoracics "bubblers" or "spouters"
just for this reason.
The Incessant Talker
"That person's talk gets on my nerves," is a remark often made by one
of the staid, stiff types concerning the seldom silent, extremely florid
individual. So natural is this to the Thoracic that he is entirely
unconscious of the wearing effect he has on other people.
A Sense of Humor
Seeing the funny side of everything is a capacity which comes more
naturally to this type than to others. This is due to the psychological
fact that nothing is truly humorous save what is slightly "out of
plumb."
Real humor lies in detecting and describing that intangible quirk. No
type has the sensitiveness essential to this in any such degree as the
Thoracic. Individuals of other types sometimes possess a keen sense of
humor. This trait is not confined to the Thoracic. But it is a
significant fact that almost every humorist of note has had this type as
the first or second element in his makeup.
The Human Fireworks
"He is a skyrocket," or "she is a firefly," are phrases often used to
describe that vivacious individual whose adeptness at repartee puts the
rest of the crowd in the background. These people are always largely or
purely Thoracic. They never belong predominately to the fourth type.
The next time you find such a person note how his eyes flash, how his
color comes and goes and the many indescribable gradations of voice
which make him the center of things.
"He is always shooting sparks," said a man recently in describing a
florid, high-chested friend.
Never Dull Company
His "line" may not interest you but the Thoracic himself is usually
interesting. He is an actual curiosity to the quiet, inexpressive people
who never can fathom how he manages to talk so frankly and so fast.
Such a person is seldom dull. He is everything from a condiment to a
cocktail and has the same effect on the average group of more or less
drab personalities.
Lives in the Heights and Depths
"Glad one moment and sad the next" is the way the ticker would read if
it could make a record of the inner feelings of the average Thoracic.
These feelings often come and go without his having the least notion of
what causes them. Ordinarily these unaccountable moods are due to
sensations reaching his subconscious mind, of which no cognizance is
taken by his conscious processes.
Called "Intuitive"
This ability to "get" things, to respond quickly with his physical
reactions while devoting his mental ones to something else, has obtained
for this type the reputation of possessing more "intuition" than others.
Source of "Hunches"
That there is no such thing as intuition in the old sense of getting a
"hunch" from the outside is now agreed by psychologists. The thing we
have called intuition, they maintain, is not due to irregular or
supernatural causes but to our own normal natural mental processes.
The impression that he gets this knowledge or suspicion from the outside
is due, the scientists say, to the fact that his thinking has proceeded
at such lightning-like speed that he was unable to watch the wheels go
round. The only thing of which he is conscious is the final result or
sum at the bottom of the column called his "hunch." He is not aware of
the addition and subtraction which his mind went through to get it for
him.
Easily Excited
"Off like a shot" is a term often applied to the Thoracic. He is the
most easily excited of all types but also the most easily calmed. He
recovers from every mood more quickly and more completely than other
types. Under the influence of emotion he often does things for which he
is sorry immediately afterward.
On the Spur of the Moment
This type usually does a thing quickly or not at all. He is a gun that
is always cocked. So he hits a great many things in the course of a
lifetime and leads the most exciting existence of any type. Being able
to get thrills out of the most commonplace event because of seeing
elements in it which others overlook, he finds in everyday life more
novelty than others ever see.
The Adventurers
Romance and adventure always interest this type. He lives for thrills
and novel reactions and usually spares no pains or money to get them. A
very slangy but very expressive term used frequently by these people is,
"I got a real kick out of that."
This craving for adventure, suspense and zest often lures this type into
speculation, gambling and various games of chance. The danger in flying,
deep-sea diving, auto-racing and similar fields has a strong appeal for
this type--so strong that practically every man or woman who follows
these professions is of this type.
Tires of Sameness
The Thoracic soon tires of the same suit, the same gown, the same
house, the same town and even the same girl. He wrings the utmost out of
each experience so quickly and so completely that he is forever on the
lookout for new worlds to conquer. Past experiences are to him as so
many lemons out of which he has taken all the juice. He anticipates
those of the future as so many more to be utilized in the same way.
Likes Responsive People
We all like answers. We want to be assured that what we have said or
done has registered. The Thoracic is always saying or doing something
and can't understand why other people are so unresponsive. He is as
responsive as a radio wire. Everything hits the mark with him and he
lets you know it. So, naturally, he enjoys the same from others and
considers those less expressive than himself stiff, formal or dull.
The kind of person the Thoracic likes best is one sufficiently like
himself to nod and smile and show that he fully understands but who will
not interrupt his stream of talk.
People He Dislikes
The stolid, indifferent or cold are people the Thoracic comes very
near disliking. Their evident self-complacency and immobility are things
he does not understand at all and with which he has little patience.
Such people seem to him to be cold, unfeeling, almost dead. So he steers
clear of them. It was surely a Thoracic who first called these people
"sticks." But the reason for their acting like sticks will be apparent
in another chapter.
His Pet Aversions
Whereas the Alimentive avoids people he does not care for, the
Thoracic is inclined to betray his aversions. He occasionally delights
to put people he dislikes at a disadvantage by his wit or satire. The
stony individual who walks through life like an Ionian pillar is a
complete mystery to the Thoracic; and the pillar returns the compliment.
We do not like anything we do not understand and we seldom understand
anything that differs decidedly from ourselves.
Thus we distrust and dislike foreigners, and to a greater or lesser
extent other families, people from other sections of the country, etc.
The Easterner and Westerner have a natural distrust of each other; and
the Civil War is not the only reason for the incompatibility of
Southerners and Northerners.
So it is with individuals. Those who differ too widely in type never
understand each other. They have too little of the chief thing that
builds friendships--emotions in common.
The Forgiving Man
If you have once been a real friend of a Thoracic and a quarrel comes
between you, he may be ever so bitter and biting in the moment of his
anger but in most cases he will forgive you eventually.
Really Forgets Disagreements
It is not as easy for other types to forgive; they often refrain from
attempting a reconciliation. But the Thoracic's forgiveness is not only
spontaneous but genuine.
The Alimentive bears no grudges because it is too much trouble. The
Thoracic finds it hard to maintain a grudge because he gets over it just
as he gets over everything else. His anger oozes away or he wakes up
some fine morning and finds, like the boy recovering from the
chickenpox, that he "simply hasn't it any more."
Diseases He is Most Susceptible To
Acute diseases are the ones chiefly affecting this type. Everything in
his organism tends to suddenness and not to sameness.
Just as he is inclined to get into and out of psychological experiences
quickly, so he is inclined to sudden illnesses and to sudden
recuperations. A Thoracic seldom has any kind of chronic ailment. If he
acquires a superabundance of avoirdupois he is in danger of apoplexy.
The combination of extreme Thoracic and extreme Alimentive tendencies is
the cause of this disease.
Likes Fancy Foods
Variety and novelty in food are much enjoyed by this type. The
Alimentive likes lots of rich food but he is not so desirous of
varieties or freak dishes. But the Thoracic specializes in them.
You can not mention any kind of strange new dish whose investigation
won't appeal to some one in the crowd, and that person is always
somewhat thoracic. It gives him another promise of "newness."
Foreign dishes of all kinds depend for their introduction into this
country almost entirely upon these florid patrons. According to the
statements of restauranteurs this type says, "I will try anything once."
Many-course dinners, if the food is good, are especially popular with
them.
"The Trimmings" at Dinner
Out-of-the-ordinary surroundings in which to dine are always welcome
to this type. The hangings, pictures, and furniture mean much to him.
Most people like music at meals but to the Thoracic it is almost
indispensable. He is so alive in every nerve, so keyed-up and has such
intense capacity for enjoyment of many things simultaneously that he
demands more than other types. An attentive waiter who ministers to
every movement and anticipates every wish is also a favorite with the
Thoracic when out for dinner.
Sensitive to His Surroundings
Colorful surroundings are more necessary to the Thoracic than to other
types. The ever-changing fashions in house decorations are welcome
innovations to him. He soon grows tired of a thing regardless of how
much he liked it to begin with.
Take notice amongst your friends and you will see that the girl who
changes the furniture all around every few weeks is invariably of this
type. "It makes me feel that I have changed my location and takes the
place of a trip," explained one girl not long ago.
Wants "Something Different"
The exact color of hangings, wall-paper, interior decorations and
accessories are matters of vital import to this type. Whereas the
Alimentives demand comfort, the Thoracics ask for "something different,"
something that catches and holds the eye--that makes an instantaneous
impression upon the onlooker and gives him one more thing by which to
remember the personality of the one who lives there.
This type considers his room and home as a part of himself and takes the
pains with them which he bestows upon his clothes.
When He is Rich
Wealth to the Thoracic means unlimited opportunity for achieving the
unusual in everything. His tastes are more extravagant than those of
other types. Uncommon works of art are usually found in the homes of
this type. The most extraordinary things from the most extraordinary
places are especial preferences with him.
He carries out his desire for attention here as in everything else and
what he buys will serve that end directly or indirectly.
Fashion and "Flare"
"Flare" aptly describes the quality which the pure Thoracic desires in
all that touches him and his personality. It must have verve and "go"
and distinctiveness. It must be "the latest" and "the thing."
He is the last type of all to submit to wearing last year's suit,
singing last year's songs, or driving in a last year's model.
Likes Dash
The Thoracic wants everything he wears, drives, lives in or owns to
"get across," to make an impression. The fat man loves comfort above all
else, but the florid man loves distinction.
He does not demand such easy-to-wear garments as the fat man. On the
contrary, he will undergo extreme discomfort if it gives him a
distinctive appearance. He wants his house to be elegant, the grounds
"different," the view unusual.
Has Color Sense
Whereas the fat man when furnishing a home devotes his attention to
soft beds, steam heat and plenty of cushioned divans, the Thoracic
thinks of the chandeliers, the unusual chairs, the pretty front
doorstep, the landscape gardening and the color schemes.
When He is in Moderate Circumstances
When only well to do this type will be found to have carried out
furnishings and decorations with the taste worthy of much larger purses.
When merely well to do he wears the very best clothes he can possibly
afford, and often a good deal better. This type does not purpose to be
outwitted by life. He tries always to put up a good showing.
When He is Poor
The Thoracic is seldom poor. He has so much personality, ginger and go
of the sort that is required in the world of today that he usually has a
good position. He may not like the position. But in spite of the fact
that he finds it harder to tolerate disagreeable things than any other
type, he will endure it for he knows that the rewards he is after can
not be had by the down-and-outer.
The natural and normal vanity of the Thoracic stands him in hand here
more than in almost any other place in life.
The World Entertained by Them
Behind every row of foot-lights you will find more people of this type
than any other. The Alimentive manages the world but the Thoracic
entertains it.
He comprises more of the dancers, actors, operatic stars and general
entertainers than any other two types combined. In everything save
acrobatics and oratory he holds the platform laurels.
As already pointed out, his adaptability, spontaneity and love of
approval are responsible for this.
His Fastidious Habits
The Thoracic is the most fastidious of all the types. His thin skin
and sensitive nerves make him more conscious of roughness and
slovenliness than others. The result is that he is what is called "more
particular" about his person than are other types. The fat man often
wears an old pair of shoes long past their usefulness, but the florid
man thinks more of the impression he creates than of his own personal
comfort, and will wear the shiniest of patent leathers on the hottest
day if they are the best match for his suit.
Likes All Music
Every kind of music is enjoyed by the pure Thoracic because he
experiences so many moods.
Entertainment He Prefers
Social affairs of an exclusive order where he wears his "best bib and
tucker" and everybody else does the same, are amongst the favorite
diversions of this type. He makes a favorable impression under such
conditions and is well aware of it.
Other reasons for this preference are his brilliant conversational
powers, his charm and his enjoyment of other people and their
view-points. The Thoracic is also exceedingly fond of dancing.
Enjoys Vaudeville
The average Thoracic enjoys vaudeville, Follies, revues, etc., because
they are full of quick changes of program. He enjoys, as does every
type, certain kinds of movies, but he constitutes no such percentage of
the movie-going audience as some other types.
Reading
Books and stories that are romantic, adventurous, and different are
the favorites of this type. Detective stories are often in high favor
with him also.
Physical Assets
The physical advantages of this type are his quick energy--based on
his wonderful breathing system--and the rich, rapid-flowing blood,
produced by his wonderful heart system.
He is noted for his ability to get "his second wind" and has remarkable
capacity for rising to sudden physical emergencies.
Physical Liabilities
A tendency to over-excitement and the consequent running down of his
batteries is a physical pitfall often fatal to this type.
Favorite Sports
Hurdling, sprinting, tennis and all sports requiring short, intense
spurts of energy are the ones in which this type excels.
Social Assets
Charm and responsiveness are the chief social assets of the Thoracic.
Inasmuch as these are the most valuable of all social traits, he has a
better natural start in human relationships than any other type.
Social Liabilities
Quick temper, his inflammable nature and appearances of vanity are his
greatest social liabilities. They stand between him and success many
times. He must learn to control them if he desires to reap the full
benefit of his remarkable assets.
Emotional Assets
Instantaneous sympathy and the lack of poisonous inhibitions are the
outstanding emotional assets of this type.
Emotional Liabilities
Impatience, mercurial emotions and the expenditure of too much of his
electricity in every little experience are the tendencies most to be
guarded against.
Business Assets
That he is a "good mixer" and has the magnetism to interest and
attract others are his most valuable business traits.
Business Liabilities
An appearance of flightiness and his tendency to hop from one subject
to another, stand in the way of the Thoracic's promotion many times.
Domestic Strength
The ability to entertain and please his own family and to give of
himself to them as freely as he gives himself to the world at large, is
one of the most lovable thoracic traits.
Domestic Weakness
The temperament and temper of this type constitute a real domestic
problem for those who live with them. But they are so forgiving
themselves that it is almost impossible to hold anything against them.
Should Aim At
The Thoracic should aim at making fewer decisions, at finishing what
he starts, and of wasting less energy in unnecessary words and motions.
Should Avoid
All situations, conditions and people who "Slip the belt off the
will," who tend to cut life up into bits by dissipation or
pleasure-seeking, should be avoided by this type because they aggravate
his own weaknesses in that direction.
Strong Points
Personal ambition, adaptability and quick physical energy are the
strongest points of the Thoracic.
Weakest Points
Too great excitability, irresponsibility and supersensitiveness, are
the weakest points of this type.
How to Deal with This Type Socially
Give him esthetic surroundings, encourage him to talk, and respond to
what he says. These are the certain methods for winning him in social
intercourse.
How to Deal with this Type in Business
Get his name on the dotted line NOW, or don't expect it. If he is an
employee let him come into direct contact with people, give his
personality a chance to get business for you, don't forget to praise him
when deserved, and don't pin him down to routine. This type succeeds
best in professions where his personal charm can be capitalized, and
does _not_ belong in any strictly commercial business.
_Remember, the chief distinguishing marks of the Thoracic in the order
of their importance, are FLUSHED COMPLEXION, HIGH CHEST and LONG WAIST.
Any person who has these is largely of the Thoracic type, no matter what
other types may be included in his makeup._