This organ is the parent of fear. It urges its possessor to use every
precaution possible for his individual safety. It is excited by every
object that has power to affect his condition, or the condition of the
objects of his other feelings. It renders one prudent, circumspect and
judicious.
Predominant.--When this organ predominates, the individual will be
timid, irresolute and undecided. He will never by any accident give
way to a flow of ideas. For the most insignificant undertakings he
will prepare with the greatest precaution, and will never form a
connexion without subjecting it to the most rigorous examination. If
Destructiveness is large, and Hope not more than moderate, he will be
liable to commit suicide.
Large.--With Cautiousness large, a person will be habitually careful,
cautious and prudent in all his transactions in life. He will never
take a step without due consideration. If Self-esteem, Combativeness
and Destructiveness are large, he will be wary and prudent in entering
upon an undertaking, but when he has commenced, he will prosecute it
with great energy and boldness.
Moderate.--With but a moderate developement of this organ, and with
large Hope and Self-esteem, one will be habitually reckless and
imprudent; but if these organs are small, and Causality and Comparison
large, he will not lack discretion in ordinary occupations of life,
or in cases where his other organs create a lively interest. If
Acquisitiveness is large, he will be prudent in business transactions.
If the Domestic Feelings are strong, he will be anxious respecting the
welfare of his family; and if Love of Approbation is strong, he will be
particularly careful in whatever regards his own reputation.
Small.--With Cautiousness small, a person will act according to the
dictates of his other faculties, unrestrained by timidity or fear.
He will be rash, precipitate and perfectly regardless of the results
of his conduct. If with a sanguine temperament, and Hope moderate or
large, his disposition will be gay and cheerful, and will be too much
engrossed with the present.