How to Read Human Nature Part 3

SELF-ESTEEM. This Quality manifests in a strong sense of individual power, self-respect, self-help, self-reliance, dignity, complacency, pride of individuality, and independence. In excess it tends to produce egotism, abnormal conceit, imperiousness, etc. Deficiency of it is apt to produce lack of confidence in self, humility, self-depreciation, etc.

It gives to one the ambitious spirit, and the desire for executive positions and places of authority. It resents a.s.sumption of authority on the part of others, and chafes under restraint. It renders its possessors dignified and desirous of the respectful recognition of others. It manifests outer form on the middle line of the head, at the "crown" (see group figure) just above Approbativeness, where it may be perceived by reason of the enlargement of the "crown." When fully developed, it tends to draw back the head, so that the latter is held erect; whereas, when deficient it allows the head to droop forward in an att.i.tude lacking the appearance of pride.

APPROBATIVENESS. This Quality manifests in a strong desire for praise, approval, flattery, recommendation, fame, notoriety, good name, personal display, show and outward appearance. It is a form of pride different from that of Self-Esteem, for it is a vanity arising from personal things and outward appearances, whereas Self-Esteem gives a pride to the inner self or ego. Those in whom it is well-developed pay great attention to outward form, ceremony, etiquette, fas.h.i.+on, and social recognition, and are always to be found on the popular side and "with the crowd." They thrive upon praise, approval and notoriety, and shrink under censure, disapproval or lack of notice. One with Self-Esteem can be happy when alone, and in fact often defies public opinion and fas.h.i.+on from very pride of self; while one with Approbativeness largely developed lacks the pride to rise above approval and the opinion of others, while possessing a strong sense of vanity when public favor is bestowed. It manifests outer form at the upper-back part of the head, just above Cautiousness and below Self-Esteem, (see group figure). When largely developed it rises like two mounts on either side of Self-Esteem, but when Self-Esteem is large and Approbativeness is small, the latter appears as two sunken places on either side of Self-Esteem.

Self-Esteem values the _real self_ while Approbativeness values the _appearances_ of personality. The one pursues the substance, the other the shadows. Self-Esteem and Approbativeness are often confused in the minds of the public. The true keynote of the first is Pride; of the second, Vanity. The student should learn to carefully distinguish between these two Qualities. Approbativeness may cause one to make a monkey of himself in order to win notice, praise or laughter, while Self-Esteem will never sacrifice self-respect and pride in order to win applause.

CHAPTER VII

THE MOTIVE QUALITIES

The second group is known as the Selfish Qualities, and is composed of the following particular Qualities: _Combativeness_; _Destructiveness_; _Cunning_; _Cautiousness_; _Acquisitiveness_ and _Constructiveness_.

This group manifests in outer form extending along the sides of the lower head from the back toward the temples. (See Fig. 3.)

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 3 THE MOTIVE QUALITIES]

COMBATIVENESS. This Quality manifests in a strong desire to oppose, resist, combat, defy, defend. Those in whom it is developed enjoy a "sc.r.a.p," and, in the words of the familiar saying, would "rather fight than eat." When combined with Vitativeness it manifests in the tendency to fight hard for life. When combined with Acquisitiveness it manifests in the tendency to fight for money or property. When combined with Amativeness it manifests in the tendency to fight for mates. When combined with the family-loving Qualities it manifests in a tendency to fight for the family. In fact, its particular direction is indicated by the development and combination of the other Qualities. It manifests in outer form at the sides of the lower-back part of the head, a little back of the top part of the ear (see group figure), giving, when developed, enlargement of that part of the head--a "broad back-head."

The "broad-headed" animals, birds, and fish have this propensity well developed, while the "narrow-heads" have it in but a small degree. It is also indicated by the strong jaw, and by the mouth indicating a "strong bite."

DESTRUCTIVENESS. This Quality, manifests in a strong desire to break precedents, doing things in new ways, a.s.serting authority, extermination, severity, sternness, breaking down, crus.h.i.+ng, "walking over," etc. Its direction is largely governed by the other Qualities, as for instance in combination with Acquisitiveness, it manifests in breaking down opposition and precedents in business; while with large conscientiousness it manifests in tearing down evil conditions, etc., and in doing the work of "reform." It generally is accompanied with large Combativeness, as the two go hand-in-hand. It manifests outer form directly above, and back of the top-part of the ear (see group figure).

CUNNING. This Quality manifests in a strong desire to be cunning, sly, close-mouthed, diplomatic, deceitful, and generally "foxy." It is best ill.u.s.trated by the example of the fox, which animal combines in itself many of its qualities. The coyote also shows signs of having this Quality well developed, as do birds of the crow and blackbird family, and certain fishes. With strong Caution it renders one very secretive and "close-mouthed." With strong Acquisitiveness it renders one sly and tricky in business. With strong Approbativeness it renders one apt to tell lying stories which magnify his importance and gratify his vanity.

With a vivid Imagination it inclines one to draw on that quality and lie for the very love of romancing. It manifests outer form a little distance above the top of the ear, immediately above Destructiveness, and back of Acquisitiveness (see group figure).

CAUTIOUSNESS. This Quality manifests in a strong desire to avoid danger or trouble; carefulness, prudence, watchfulness, anxiety, self-protection, etc. In excess it is apt to render one fearful, over-anxious, and even cowardly, but in combination with other Qualities it tends to give to one a balance and to restrain him from rashness and unnecessary risk. Its direction is also largely influenced by the development of other Qualities. Thus with large Acquisitiveness it makes one very cautious about money matters; with large family qualities it renders one very careful about the family; with large Approbativeness it renders one bashful, self conscious, and fearful of adverse criticism.

It manifests outer form toward the upper-back part of the head, directly over Secretiveness (see group figure), and when developed is apparent by the enlargement of the comparatively large area covered by it. An old phrenological authority says of it: "This is the easiest found of all the organs.... Starting at the middle of the back part of the ears, draw a perpendicular line, when the head is erect, straight up to where the head begins to slope back in forming the top, and Caution is located just at the first turn."

ACQUISITIVENESS. This Quality manifests in a strong desire either to acquire, or else to hold property, money, or general objects of possession. In some cases it contents itself with merely "getting,"

while in others it also "holds on" to what is secured, the difference arising from the combinations of the other Qualities. In itself, it may be said to be merely the tendency toward "h.o.a.rding up," but the combination with large Combativeness and Destructiveness enlarges its scope and tends to make its possessor rapacious and grasping. It is the instinct of the squirrel and the bee, and even the dog manifests it when he buries a bone for future gnawing purposes. Those in whom it is developed in connection with large Caution, manifest a strict economy and even miserliness, while in others it expends itself in merely the getting for the sake of the getting, the possessions often being scattered prodigally afterward, the element of Approbativeness entering largely into the latter action. It manifests outer form in the lowest-middle section of the head, directly over Alimentiveness (see group figure).

CONSTRUCTIVENESS. This Quality manifests in a strong desire to invent, construct, build, create, put together, improve upon, add to, readjust, etc. It manifests along three general lines, namely (1) Invention; (2) Construction; and (3) Materialization, by which is meant the "making real" of _ideals_ previously entertained--the "making come true" of the dreams previously experienced--the _materialization_ of the ideas, plans, and projects previously _visualized_. This Quality causes the person to improve, alter, tinker with, build up, invent, and create along the lines of his vocation or avocation. These people find it difficult to refrain from tinkering with, altering, or "improving"

anything and everything with which they have to do. With large Logic, a.n.a.lysis, and Perceptives they manifest inventive ability; with large Imitation they are fond of copying and constructing after models; with large Ideality they work toward making their dreams come true. This Quality is not confined to mechanical construction, as the old phrenologists taught, but manifests itself in business literature, art, and in fact in every vocation or occupation. With large Destructiveness, it builds up new structures upon the ruins created by that Quality. In persons of the Motive temperament it inclines toward mechanical invention, creation and construction; while in persons of the Mental temperament it manifests in creating and constructing ideas, thoughts, theories, scientific cla.s.sification, literary productions, etc., and in persons of the Vital temperament it manifests in creating and improving upon things calculated to appeal to persons of that cla.s.s. It manifests outer form in the lower and frontal part of the temples, backward and upward from the outer corner of the eye-brow (see group figure). Prof.

O. S. Fowler says. "In broad-built and stocky persons it causes this part of the temples to widen and bulge out, but in tall, long-headed persons it _spreads_ out upon them, and hence shows to be less than it really is." It is directly below Ideality and in front of Acquisitiveness.

CHAPTER VIII

THE VITATIVE QUALITIES

The third group is known as the Vitative Qualities, which is composed of the three respective particular Qualities: _Vitativeness_; _Alimentativeness_; and _Bibativeness_. This group manifests in outer form directly back of, and in front of, the middle part of the ear. (See Fig. 4.)

VITATIVENESS. This quality manifests in a strong desire to live; resistance to disease and death; an intense clinging to life for the mere fact of living, rather than for the sake of anything to be accomplished by continued existence. It goes along with Combativeness, and is especially noticeable in the "broad-headed" people and animals.

The cat tribe, hawks, turtles, sharks, venomous snakes, and others have this propensity well developed, while it is deficient in the "narrow-headed" animals, such as the rabbit, certain birds, certain fish, and many harmless snakes. Those in whom it is developed "die hard," while those in whom it is deficient die easily. This capacity manifests in outer form in the area situated just back of the middle part of the ear (see group figure).

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 4 THE VITATIVE QUALITIES]

ALIMENTIVENESS. This Quality manifests in a strong desire to gratify the tastes for food, when large it inclines one toward gluttony, and tends to make one "live to eat," instead of to "eat to live." Those in whom it is largely developed eat heartily and like to see others doing the same; while those in whom it is deficient care very little for the quality or amount of their food and often actually resent the, to them, "disgusting" sight of persons partaking of a hearty meal. It manifests in outer form immediately in front of the upper part of the ear (see group figure).

BIBATIVENESS. This Quality manifests in a strong desire to gratify the appet.i.te for drinks of various kinds. In its normal well-developed state it manifests in a desire for water, milk and fluid foods, such as soups, broths, etc., and other juicy things. Perverted it manifests in the appet.i.te for intoxicating liquors, tea and coffee, "soft drinks," and the various decoctions of the modern soda-fountain. By some this Quality is regarded as merely a phase of Alimentiveness, while others consider it to be a separate Quality. It manifests in outer form immediately in front of the locality of Alimentiveness, toward the eye.

CHAPTER IX

THE EMOTIVE QUALITIES

The fourth group is that known as the Social Qualities, which group is composed of the following particular Qualities: _Amativeness_; _Conjugality_; _Parental Love_; _Sociability_ and _Home Love_. This group manifests outer form at the lower-back portion of the head (see Fig. 5), and shows itself by an enlargement of that region, causing the head to "bulge" back of the ears. It may best be understood by an examination of its several particular Qualities.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 5 THE EMOTIVE QUALITIES]

AMATIVENESS. This Quality manifests in a strong desire for s.e.xual indulgence and a.s.sociation with the opposite s.e.x. Its purpose is, of course, the reproduction of the race, but its abuse and perversion has led man to many excesses and unnatural practices. It is a dynamic propensity and its normal development is seemingly necessary in order to produce the "life spirit," and vital activity mental and physical. Those in whom it is deficient lack "spirit" and energy, while those in whom it is developed to excess tend to lean toward excesses. When developed normally it seems to add an attractiveness or "magnetism" to its possessors; when deficient it renders the person "cold" non-magnetic and unattractive; when over-developed and unrestrained it causes the person to become disgusting and repulsive to the normal person; vulgar, licentious and depraved. Its seat is in the cerebellum or "little brain," and it manifests outer form by an enlarged "fullness" at the nape of the neck, at the base of the skull (see group figure). It tends to cause the head to lean backward and downward at the nape of the neck.

It also manifests by fullness of the lips, particularly in their middles. The lips and position of the head of persons in whom this quality is largely developed is indicative of the att.i.tude and position of kissing. Spurzheim says of it: "It is situated at the top of the neck, and its size is proportionate to the s.p.a.ce between the mastoid process, immediately behind the ears, and the occipital spine, in the middle of the hind head." It is noticeable that those in whom this quality is fully or largely developed seem to have the power of attracting or "charming" those of the opposite s.e.x, while those who are deficient in it lack this quality.

CONJUGALITY. This quality manifests in a strong desire for a "mate"--and _one_ mate only. While Amativeness may cause one to seek the society of many of the opposite s.e.x, Conjugality will act only to cause one to seek the _one_ life partner. Conjugality causes the desire to "mate for life." It is something quite different from Amativeness, although of course related to it. The location of its outer form, between Amativeness and Friends.h.i.+p, gives the key to its quality--_love with companions.h.i.+p_. Those in whom it is well developed are very close to their mates and tend toward jealousy; they suffer intensely when the relation is inharmonious or disturbed in any way, and are often brokenhearted at disappointment in love or the death of the mate. Those in whom it is deficient feel very little true companions.h.i.+p for their mates, and with Amativeness large are apt to be promiscuous in their manifestation of love or pa.s.sion; if one love is interrupted or interfered with they find little difficulty in s.h.i.+fting their affections. Those in whom it is strong are "true unto death," while those in whom it is weak are fickle, inconstant and lack loyalty. The Quality manifests outer form on each side of the lower-back of the head, just above Amativeness and just below Friends.h.i.+p, and on either side of Parental Love--the location being especially indicative of its nature (see group figure).

PARENTAL LOVE. This Quality manifests in a strong desire for and love of children, particularly one's own. Those in whom it is very strong often adopt children in addition to their own and love to caress children wherever and whenever they may see them. It manifests outer form at the lower-back part of the head on the middle-line of the head, above Amativeness, and below Inhabitiveness (see group figure).

SOCIABILITY. This Quality manifests in a strong desire for companions.h.i.+p, fellows.h.i.+p, friends, sympathy, society, a.s.sociates, etc.

It is the "social sense." Those in whom it is strong feel happy only when surrounded by a.s.sociates, friends or boon companions. They incline toward lodges, clubs and social gatherings. To be alone is to suffer, to such people. Those in whom it is weak prefer to be alone, or at the best with a few carefully chosen companions, and avoid promiscuous friends.h.i.+ps and social gatherings. It manifests outer form just above Conjugality, and at the sides of Parental love and Inhabitiveness, and directly back of Cautiousness and the upper-part of Combativeness (see group figure).

HOME-LOVE. This Quality manifests in a strong love of familiar places, particularly of one's home and near-by country, and from this springs love of country and patriotism. Those in whom it is strong dislike to travel, and are subject to home-sickness. Those in whom it is weak are fond of travel, readily change their places of abode, and are apt to become "roamers" if they indulge the Quality. When over large, it inclines one toward narrowness, sectionalism and provincialism; when small, it inclines one toward frequent moves, and changes of residence and location. It manifests outer form at the back part of the head, on the middle-line, directly above Parental Love and below Continuity (see group figure). When it is large it tends to produce a ridge, flat-iron-shape and pointing upward; when small, it presents a depression sufficient to contain the ball of the finger. Its close connection to Continuity, on the one hand, and Parental Love on the other, is very suggestive.

CHAPTER X

THE APPLICATIVE QUALITIES

The fifth group, known as the Applicative Qualities, is composed of two particular Qualities, known, respectively, as _Firmness_ and _Continuity_. This group manifests in outer form on the centre-line of the head, just above and just below the "crown," at which latter point Self-Esteem is situated (see Fig. 6).

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 6 THE APPLICATIVE QUALITIES]

FIRMNESS. This Quality manifests in a strong tendency toward stability, tenacity, fixedness of purpose, and decision. When very highly developed with the reasoning powers weak it often manifests as stubborness, mulishness, obstinacy, etc. Those in whom it is largely developed display firmness in decision, are "set in their ways," cannot be driven by force or converted by argument when they have once formed an opinion and taken a stand. The "indomitable will" arises from this Quality, in fact this Quality might well be termed the "Will Quality," although it manifests by that aspect of Will which shows itself as _fixedness_, while its companion Quality, that of Continuity, manifests the phase of Will known as "stick-to-it-iveness." Persons in whom Firmness is largely developed make certain decisions and then abide by them. They may be coaxed but never driven. Prof. O. S. Fowler, speaking of this Quality, said: "No man ever succeeded without great will-power to hold on and hold out in the teeth of opposing difficulties. I never knew a man distinguished for anything, not even crimes, to lack it. It is an indispensable prerequisite of greatness and goodness. Without it great talents are of little avail, for they accomplish little; but with it large, fair to middling capacities accomplish commendable results.

Success in life depends more on this than on any other single attribute."

This Quality manifests outer form on the centre-line of the back part of the top head, just above Self-Esteem. The location may be ascertained by holding the head erect, drawing an imaginary line upward from the opening of the ears straight to the top of the head to the middle-line or centre of the top of the head--the location is at this last-point.

It is usually quite prominent, and in many men unusually large. When fully developed it gives a "tallness" to the head from the opening of the ears to top of head. When it is weak, there is apt to be a flatness or even a depression at the point of its location. It also manifests in a "stiff upper lip," that is a firm upper lip, the latter often being longer than ordinarily. A certain stiffness of the upper-lip is often noticed when Firmness is habitually a.s.serted, or in cases when the Quality is temporarily called into play. The term "stiff upper lip" is more than a mere figurative expression. Combe says of this Quality: "When this organ predominates it gives a peculiar hardness to the manner, a stiffness and uprightness to the gait, with a forcible and emphatic tone to the voice."

CONTINUITY. This propensity manifests in a strong tendency to "stick-to"