This organ produces the feeling of individual personality, or of
personal identity. It causes the feelings of self-love, self-respect,
self-complacency. It imparts to the individual a high opinion of
himself, and of every thing pertaining or belonging to himself. The
most insignificant object, when in the possession of an individual
with this feeling strong, assumes a value and an importance, in his
own estimation, which nothing could have given it before. To such a
person, the idea of self is perpetually before him. Let an idea be
suggested, and his first consideration will be as to how it will affect
his own condition. It gives a cold and repulsive appearance to the
individual, and renders him particularly obnoxious to others having
the same organization. It renders one averse to submission, and gives
an inclination to assume the lead. When properly regulated, it adds
dignity to the whole demeanour, and gives a nobleness to the character
which effectually prevents any action of meanness or servility.
Predominant.--With this organ predominant, an individual will be proud,
haughty and supercilious. Whatever he possesses, he considers superior
to that belonging to any one else. In his judgment and actions he
scorns all advice, and looks down with contempt on his fellow-men. He
admits no dictation. He never submits to advice, but assumes the lead
on all occasions. Any thing like familiarity revolts him. His whole
appearance indicates assurance and presumption. When excited, he is
disposed to go to the greatest extremes. “He will have many enemies,
and will be regardless of the frown or the favour of men; intractable,
domineering, repulsive, conceited, jealous, austere, he considers
himself nearly infallible.”
Large.--With this organ large, the individual is endowed with that
degree of self-complacency which enables him to apply his powers to
the best advantage, in every situation in which he may be placed. With
Combativeness and Firmness large, and Destructiveness moderate, he is
eminently qualified to sustain himself in any situation in which he
may be placed. With this organization, he will be bold, energetic,
persevering, and surpassingly independent. No difficulties will appal
him, and no force of circumstances of an ordinary character, will deter
him from the prosecution of his designs. With large Conscientiousness,
he will be honourable and high-minded in the extreme. With large
Conscientiousness, Veneration, Ideality, Benevolence and Causality,
he will rather suffer death than commit a dishonourable action. If
Conscientiousness, Benevolence and Veneration are deficient, he will be
dogmatic, imperious and haughty, and will be constantly striving for
power, which, when obtained, he invariably abuses. If an author, with
Ideality, Language and Comparison large, he will write in a sustained
and lofty style, never descending to a common-place expression. If his
Domestic Feelings are large, with Combativeness and Destructiveness
large, he will be tenderly attached to his family, and take great pride
and interest in them, yet will require from them implicit obedience.
With Cautiousness and Causality large, he will be induced to seek
advice, but only for the purpose of enabling him to form his own
opinion. With Cautiousness large, he will often appear disconcerted
and diffident, in consequence of his anxiety about matters likely to
affect him. With Firmness, Secretiveness and Imitation large, a person
will never act in a subordinate station. Let his situation in life be
what it may, he will always be a leader.
Moderate.--With Self-esteem moderate, and with a favourable
developement of other organs, one will have sufficient self-respect
for the ordinary occupations of life, but he will never be able to put
himself forward in any great undertaking, or to command that general
influence and esteem as he would do with a larger developement of this
organ. With Cautiousness, Love of Approbation and Veneration large,
he will be humble, timid and abashed in the presence of superiors or
strangers. He will lack the requisite independence to vindicate his
own opinion, and will be too ready to give way to that of others. With
this organization, and large Intellect, he may possess great abilities,
but for want of self-confidence requisite to enable him to make his
way through opposition, he will be much underrated. It will give him
pain to be obliged to trespass on the attention of others, and he will
suffer greatly from a feeling of unworthiness. With small Cautiousness,
Firmness, Combativeness and Destructiveness, he will be enterprising
and persevering, yet will lack that force of character requisite for
important undertakings. With large Veneration, Conscientiousness and
Intellect, he will be respectful towards others, and will not be
deficient in respect for himself.
Small.--With Self-esteem small, one will be humble and submissive. No
matter how exalted may be the character of his intellect, a feeling of
unworthiness will accompany all his actions. He will ever associate
with inferiors. His language will be trifling and common-place. Let his
talents be what they may, he will never rise from an inferior station.