This organ furnishes the instinct of social attachment. Towards the
object of its regard it excites the purest feelings of affection. It is
not satisfied with loving, it must also be loved, and requires for its
healthy existence a constant exchange of pure and radiant affection. It
diffuses its influence over the whole character of the man, and tends
to render him kind, amiable, and affectionate. It leads to the love
of company, and of social intercourse. While it is the germ of many
virtues, it is to be feared; in the present state of society, it is
likewise productive of many vices.
Predominant.--With Adhesiveness predominant, an individual is
pre-eminently qualified to enjoy friendship, and will be miserable
without it. He will often feel the yearnings of affection coming over
him with all the intensity of a passion. His most vivid enjoyments are
experienced in the society of his friends. He readily recognises the
existence of a similar feeling in another, and, if circumstances are
favourable, they soon become intimate.
Large.--One having Adhesiveness large, is eminently social and
affectionate. With large Moral organs, will make great sacrifices
to render his friends service, and will esteem the pleasures of
friendship as one of the chief sources of enjoyment. With Combativeness
and Destructiveness large, and Self-esteem moderate, will resent an
aggression upon a friend which he would not notice upon himself. If
Self-esteem is large, with Combativeness and Destructiveness large,
he will easily get angry with his friends, but will be readily
conciliated. With Benevolence and Love of Approbation large, is
exceedingly liberal and forward among friends; will do his utmost
to please and gratify them; earnestly desire their approbation; and
will be exceedingly sensitive to their reproaches. With Firmness and
Conscientiousness small, will be capricious in his attachments. With
Secretiveness and Self-esteem large, he will not fully express the
feelings which he experiences, and will thus leave the impression that
his affection is less than it really is.
Moderate.--One having Adhesiveness moderate, may be strongly attached
to friends, but his friendships will be readily severed. He may
be companionable, and with large Benevolence will be generous and
good-hearted, but he will still lack that strong feeling of sympathy
without which friendship is but a name.
Small.--With Adhesiveness small, an individual will be unsocial,
cold-hearted and selfish. If his moral organs predominate over
self-esteem, he may be companionable, but he will be nearly wanting in
the attributes of character ascribed to this organ.