This organ gives the desire and the talents for concealment. In its
abuse, it renders its possessor averse to, and almost incapable of, an
open-hearted expression. His remarks are sly, evasive and ambiguous.
His actions, he considers, are beyond the reach of human sagacity. It
is the foundation of all hypocrisy, deception and intrigue.
Predominant.--One in whom Secretiveness predominates, will be sly,
conniving and hypocritical. It will be difficult for him to relate the
simplest incident without evasion. If he has an end to bring about, he
will seek to do it by some manœuvre, even when an open course would be
more effective. The most trifling actions of his life will be brought
about by stratagem. He looks upon others as being actuated by the same
motives as himself, and is constantly suspicious and watchful. He will
possess great tact, and be readily enabled to discover the motives
of others. In conversation, he is apt to hesitate and recommence his
sentences, and to answer in an ambiguous manner.
Large.--With Secretiveness, Self-esteem and Conscientiousness large,
an individual will detest hypocrisy and duplicity, yet will be
exceedingly prudent and circumspect in his conversation and conduct.
He will be slow to make acquaintances, and will require a long time
ere he becomes intimate with them. With Love of Approbation large, he
will be deferential and polite, and will possess a superior tact at
making himself agreeable. With Comparison and Individuality large, he
will possess a good knowledge of human nature, will be well qualified
to detect intrigue, and of frustrating any designs upon himself. If
Self-esteem, Firmness and Secretiveness are large, he will endure pain
with the most heroic fortitude and forbearance. If Conscientiousness
be moderate, he will be very suspicious towards others, and will
be perpetually on his guard. If Destructiveness and Self-esteem
are large, he will be easily made angry, but with Cautiousness and
Firmness large, will restrain his feelings even when highly excited.
With Conscientiousness and Cautiousness large, it will be exceedingly
difficult for him to form an opinion. With Adhesiveness moderate, and
Imitation large, he will be liable to be very friendly to one’s face,
and abuse him in his absence. With Self-esteem and Firmness large,
will seldom yield to an opponent, but will very often deceive him by
appearing to have yielded.
Moderate.--With Secretiveness moderate, and Self-esteem large, one will
be frank, candid and open-hearted in his ordinary intercourse with
society, yet will be capable, when necessity requires it, of intrigue
and duplicity. He will be frank, open and sincere to acquaintances,
yet will manifest much reserve to strangers. His ordinary conversation
will be discreet, yet, when excited, he will express his sentiments
regardless of consequences; this is more particularly true when
Cautiousness is small. He will then be distinguished for contrariety
of feeling, being prudent and circumspect at one time, and open, blunt
and offending at another. Conscientiousness being small, adds much to
the strength of Secretiveness. He will then use deception and intrigue
whenever they answer his purpose. If Self-esteem, Combativeness and
Destructiveness are large, he will be very blunt and decided, when
nothing is to be gained by an opposite course, and will express his
sentiments without scruple.
Small.--With Secretiveness small, one is frank, candid and
open-hearted. He will freely relate even to comparative strangers all
his foibles and weaknesses, as well as his virtues and merits. He
expresses his hatred and dislikes without fear or favour. Strangers
will suppose his anger or displeasure to be greater than it really is.
With Destructiveness and Self-esteem large, he will get angry readily,
but if Concentrativeness is small, will soon recover his temper. He
will be often imposed upon in consequence of his relying too much on
others. If Love of Approbation and Benevolence are small, his demeanour
will be usually gruff and impolite. He will have great aversion to
outside show, will use plain and blunt expressions, and be fond of
forcible language.