This organ gives the desire to oppose, resist and overcome. It renders
its possessor able to encounter difficulties, and to be bold and
strenuous in his opposition. If not properly regulated, it leads to a
desire to contradict and quarrel for the sake of opposition. It gives
vigour and zeal to the pugilist and warrior.
Predominant.--When this organ predominates, the individual will be
bold, disputatious and quarrelsome. In an encounter he will never be
satisfied till he has obtained the mastery. He will display great nerve
and determination in whatever he undertakes. With Self-esteem large,
and Conscientiousness and Benevolence small, he will be extremely
quarrelsome and overbearing.
Large.--With Self-esteem large, the individual will be pre-eminently
bold and enterprising. If Firmness is small, he will be wavering in
his views; but if Firmness is large, he will add perseverance to
courage, and never give up a point while a reasonable hope of success
remains. If with this combination, and Moral Sentiments small, he will
be litigious and quarrelsome. If Destructiveness is small, he will be
fond of disputing, but will avoid giving pain. If Destructiveness is
large, and Benevolence small, he will be vindictive and cruel, and
will ever be disposed to vindicate his own importance, regardless
of circumstances or the rights of others. If Love of Approbation,
Benevolence, Veneration and Conscientiousness are large, he will avoid
all low contentions, and will direct the action of this organ to the
maintenance of right and the enforcement of just opinion.
Moderate.--One with moderate Combativeness, will forbear in a
contention as long as Self-esteem will allow. If his temperament is
active, he may be irritable and passionate, but upon the whole, will
be peaceable. If his religious feelings are strong, notwithstanding
his usual distaste for opposition, he will contend strenuously for the
rights of his church, and cheerfully encounter reproach for its sake.
If Acquisitiveness is large, and Self-esteem small, he will allow
himself to be insulted with impunity, but will resist every attack upon
his property.
Small.--With Combativeness small, an individual’s character will be
mild and peaceable. He will rather submit to oppression than make
the requisite exertion to defend his rights. Above every thing else
he will desire peace. With Self-esteem small, he will be eminently
deficient in presence of mind in times of danger. He will quail under
opposition, and with Cautiousness large, will be timid and cowardly.
With Destructiveness large, and Benevolence small, he will be harsh and
severe where there is no resentment to be feared. With Acquisitiveness
large, he will be fond of acquiring by slow accumulations, rather than
by bold speculations. With Domestic Feelings large, he will avoid the
turbulent scenes of life, and seek refuge in quiet and retirement.