This organ excites the desire of notice, praise, distinction and
recognition. It is an active element in the mind of the office
seeker, the soldier, the actor, the statesman, &c. It inspires the
fop, and sustains the buffoon. It causes a desire to be approved as
well as noticed, but it prefers censure to inattention. When properly
regulated, it induces amiability of disposition.
Predominant.--An individual with this organ predominant, will be
grossly vain and fantastical. Every action of his life will be
calculated to excite attention. He will appear to think as though the
world had little else to do than to be attentive to his actions.
Large.--With this organ large, a person will be distinguished for
the regard he places upon his character. The disapprobation of his
fellow-men will be displeasing to him in a high degree. In his
intercourse with society, he will be polite and courteous, avoiding
every thing harsh, austere or repulsive. If Conscientiousness and
Intellect are deficient, he will be a braggart, and will often speak
of his feats and performances. If thrown into evil company, he will
be foremost in all deeds of wickedness. With Self-esteem large, and
Causality moderate or small, will be exceedingly proud and vain,
will use much ceremony, and will be very affected in his manner and
conversation; and if Ideality and Individuality are large, will be
exceedingly fond of dress and finical decorations. With Adhesiveness
large, and Firmness moderate or small, one will be influenced by
the opinions of his friends and associates, and will give way to
them in opposition to the dictates of his own judgment. With this
combination, and Destructiveness and Combativeness large, will get
easily offended, and construe the least inattention from his friends
into dislike or insult. With Cautiousness, Secretiveness, Veneration
and Conscientiousness large, or very large, and Self-esteem small,
will be very desirous to please, and will evince great anxiety to
carry out this object; will feel great respect for superiors in age,
talents, &c.; will entertain a feeling of his own inferiority, and
also of reserve, which will have the effect of making him timid and
bashful. With Combativeness, Destructiveness, Self-esteem, Firmness,
Ideality, Individuality, Eventuality and Language large, and Comparison
and Causality large, will possess talents for an exalted order, and
an ardent ambition of fame. This combination will enable him to
distinguish himself for intellectual greatness.
Moderate.--With this organ but moderately developed, a person will
by no means be insensible to the opinions of the world, yet, if
Self-esteem and Conscientiousness are large, he will not allow its
opinions to force him from the path of duty. If Adhesiveness is large,
the opinion of his friends will have much influence over him. If
Firmness, Self-esteem and Combativeness are large, he will be austere
and independent, doing what his own feelings dictate, regardless of
the frowns or favours of his fellow-men.
Small.--With Love of Approbation small, one will almost be insensible
to the feelings of shame, and will be nearly regardless of public
opinion. With small Ideality, he will be slovenly in his dress and
appearance.