This organ produces the sentiment of reverence, without regarding the
character of the object on which it seeks exercise. By its influence
man adores God, venerates saints, and respects parents, teachers and
superiors in general. This organ is the source of natural religion, or
that tendency to worship a superior power which manifests itself in
every nation yet discovered.
Predominant.--With Veneration predominant, a person if religious, will
be extremely devout, and will experience the most profound feelings
of awe and respect in contemplating the attributes of the deity. If
Marvellousness and Conscientiousness are large, he will be extremely
susceptible of religious impressions, and will not fail to become a
devout and enthusiastic adherent of the church.
Large.--A person with Veneration large, will feel profound respect
for all persons and objects that are aged and venerable, or in any
way entitled in his estimation to respect and confidence. With large
Benevolence and Conscientiousness, he will not only act justly and
charitably, but his actions will be accompanied and sustained by a
feeling of respect and reverence for the abstract principles of justice
and charity, that cannot be conceived by those who have this organ
small. With large Love of Approbation, and small Conscientiousness, he
will be disposed to think highly of those who are in high stations, the
rich, the powerful and the grand. If Combativeness and Destructiveness
are large, and Acquisitiveness small, while he may look with contempt
upon the merely wealthy, he will feel much respect for the memory and
character of the brave and patriotic. With large Intellect, the action
of this organ will be exerted towards the character and persons of
literary men.
Moderate.--With this organ but moderately developed, the sentiment
of respect in general will have but a limited influence over the
character of the individual. If Conscientiousness and Marvellousness
are large, he will probably be religious, but he will not be so devout
and enthusiastic in his devotions as many others with less real piety.
If Love of Approbation is large, he will be exceedingly courteous and
attentive, but his conduct will lack that deference and respect so
necessary to conciliate esteem.
Small.--With Veneration but small, a person will be almost wholly
destitute of the qualities ascribed to this organ. He may be religious,
but the act of devotion will be a task to him, and he will be enabled
to conceive those feelings of solemnity and awe, with which many are
exercised. Children so constituted are disobedient and inattentive to
their parents and teachers.