This organ produces the desire of the happiness of others, and
disposes to compassion and goodness of heart. It produces liberality
of sentiment towards all mankind, and a disposition to love them
and contribute to their pleasures. The benevolent man cannot feel
happy, as long as famine, bodily suffering and mental misery are the
bitter portion of his fellow creatures. He will never complain of
the heartlessness or the ingratitude of others. He is so well aware
of wishing well to others, that he does not doubt of their good will
towards himself.
Predominant.--With this organ predominant, one may almost be said to
be the victim of his kindness, good will and sympathy to others. In
his zeal for the welfare of his fellow creatures, he seldom thinks of
himself. In society, he restrains all his selfish inclinations, for
fear of giving uneasiness to others. He will frequently meditate upon
the miseries of mankind, and consider the various means of relieving
their wretchedness.
Large.--With Benevolence large, one will be kind, charitable and
forgiving. His whole demeanour will indicate goodness of disposition.
If Secretiveness is small, he will be especially liable to imposition,
as he will be conscious of entertaining no designs against others,
and will suspect none against himself. If Adhesiveness is large, and
Acquisitiveness small, he will be exceedingly liberal and generous.
He will find it difficult to withstand the solicitations of charity,
and will be especially alive to the interests of his friends. With
Acquisitiveness large, he will be well disposed to charitable
objects, but will seldom ever give to them substantial aid. He will
be more likely to give his time and advice than money. If, with this
combination large, Love of Approbation be added, it will greatly aid
the effect of Benevolence. With but moderate Destructiveness, it will
be difficult for him to witness suffering or pain; yet, with large
Destructiveness, when it is necessary, notwithstanding his general
kindness of disposition, can witness and even inflict pain, and take
pleasure in it.
Moderate.--With Benevolence moderate, one will be kindly and well
disposed towards others, yet, except on extraordinary occasions, will
not make many sacrifices to their good. If Acquisitiveness and the
Selfish Feelings generally are large, he will be avaricious and selfish
to the last degree, and yet not be absolutely insensible to the claims
of the unfortunate. If Love of Approbation is large, he may often give
to charitable purposes, but it will be more for the sake of having his
acts the subject of conversation than out of good will to the object.
If Self-esteem, Combativeness and Destructiveness are large, he will
be harsh, cruel and severe, and will be apparently utterly regardless
of the feelings of his fellow men.
Small.--With Benevolence but small, one will be unfeeling and cruel.
If Conscientiousness is large, he will not trespass on the rights
of others in any particular, but his whole conduct will exhibit,
notwithstanding, a disregard of all the tender amenities of life, and
an almost utter absence of sympathy and good feeling.