How to Read Human Nature Part 5

TUNE. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation, and recollection of _tune_, _music_, _harmony_, _melody_, etc. Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize, and remember all connected with the subject of Music. It is the musical sense, taste and faculty.

Its characteristics are too well-known to require elaboration. It manifests outer form in the lateral and lower part of the forehead, above Order and Calculation, in front of Constructiveness, and back of Time (see group figure). Prof. O. S. Fowler says: "When large it fills out the lower, frontal portions of the temples.... Still, being located in a kind of corner ... and the temporal muscle pa.s.sing over it, its position varies somewhat, which renders observation more difficult, except in the heads of children, in whom it is generally larger than in adults."

TIME. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation, and recollection of _time_, _duration_, _rhythm_, _etc._ Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize, and remember all connected with the flight of time, dates, duration, periodicity, chronology, etc.

Spurzheim says of it that it, "perceives the duration, simultaneousness, and succession of phenomena." It may be called "the time sense" which is so apparent in some persons, and so noticeable by reason of its absence in others. It manifests outer form above Color and Weight, in front of Tune, and back of Locality (see group figure).

LOCALITY. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation, and recollection of _places_, _positions_, _locations_, _directions_, etc.

Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize, and remember places, directions, positions, land-marks, points-of-the compa.s.s, roads, paths, streets, and other things having to do with _s.p.a.ce_. Such persons are never "lost" nor confused as to direction or locality; they have an almost instinctive "sense of direction." It is the geographical or traveller's sense. It is found large in the majority of travellers, sailors, civil engineers, etc. Persons in whom it is large can find themselves about a strange city without trouble, and will remember old scenes, places, locations for years. Those in whom it is weak frequently "get lost," or mixed up regarding place, position and direction.

It manifests outer form over Size and Weight, or about three-quarters of an inch above the inner half of the eyebrows, and runs upwards and outwards (see group figure). It is said to have been immensely developed and apparent in Capt. Cook, the eminent explorer, and the portraits of Columbus and other great explorers and travellers show a distinct enlargement of this locality. Gall, who discovered the location of this Quality, took casts of the heads of noted explorers and travellers, and others manifesting the "sense of place and direction," and upon comparing them, "found in them all, in the region directly over the eyes, two large prominences, which began just inside the root of the nose, and ascended obliquely upwards and outwards as far as the middle of the forehead." Dr. Caldwell states that, "Daniel Boone who was perpetually going from one place to another, was the most celebrated hunter and woodsman of his age, and possessed this organ in a degree of development so bold and prominent that it deformed his face."

EVENTUALITY. This Quality manifests in a cognizance appreciation and recollection of _facts_, _events_, _happenings_, _occurrences_, _news_, _etc._ Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize and remember striking events, facts, doings, occurrences--in short, _news_.

Such persons have the "nose for news" which is so important to the newspaper man, scientific investigator, researcher in any line, and general investigator. It is the "historical faculty," and the "journalistic sense," as well as an important part of the "scientific instinct." These people make good witnesses, story tellers, and entertainers. They know "what is going on," and are the people to go to when one wishes to "hear the news," or to learn the past history of anything or anybody.

This Quality manifests outer form in the centre of the forehead, immediately above Observation, and in front of Locality (see group figure). When large it tends to "fill out" the middle of the forehead.

Prof. O. S. Fowler says: "It sometimes seems deficient, because the surrounding organs are large, whereas close inspection shows it to be large. Steady the head with the left hand, and place the second finger of the right in the very centre of the forehead, firmly on the head, and then work the skin horizontally. If your finger caresses an up-and-down ridge about the size of a pipe-stem, this faculty is vigorous, and has been much used and strengthened by culture of late years. Where it is not noticeably full, but has been taxed by business or literary pursuits, or had a great many little things to do for years, it appears deficient to the eye, but the rule just given for this perpendicular pipe-stem ridge signifies great activity and vigor in it." (See group figure.)

WORDS. This Quality manifests in a cognizance, appreciation and recollection of _words_, _terms_, _phrases_, _etc._, and their meanings.

Those in whom it is large most readily perceive, recognize and remember the words, expressions, gestures and other modes of communication between the minds of men, and are proficient not only in perceiving and understanding them, but also in employing and using them. It is the taste, power, and ability to receive verbal Impressions and to manifest verbal Expression. It produces the orator, and the adept in the use of words in writing. To those persons in whom it is largely developed, words take on life and reality, and become living thought. In excess, it produces verbosity, talkativeness, and "windiness" of expression. When deficient, it renders one unable to properly express himself. It manifests outer form above and partly behind the superorbital plates, which form the roof of the sockets of the eyes, and when large tends to press the eyes forward and downward. Its location was discovered by Gall, who observed that those fluent in the use of words almost always had _full and prominent eyes, and_ _prominent under eye-lids_. The fullness of the eyes and lower eyelids, therefore, is its distinguis.h.i.+ng mark.

Professor O. S. Fowler says: "See how the eyes stand out beyond the cheekbone--the best standard points from which to estimate its size, because, though it may be large, yet the Perceptives may be still larger, in which case the latter will project forward still farther even beyond large Expression. (Words). Hence the fullness of the eyes should not be compared with the eyebrows as much as _with the bone below them_, which not being subject to kindred mutations, forms a correct measuring point of observation." The pressure outward of the under eyelids, is a good sign of the development of this Quality. It may be objected to that Quality of Words is not, strictly speaking, a _Perceptive_, but when it is realized that before words may be fluently used, they must be _perceived_, _recognized_, _and remembered_, the reason for our inclusion of this Quality in the Perceptive cla.s.s may be understood.

CHAPTER XIV

THE REFLECTIVE QUALITIES

The ninth group is known as the Reflective Qualities, which is composed of the two following particular Qualities: _a.n.a.lysis_ and _Logic, respectively_. This group is accorded the highest place among the mental Qualities, for Reason is ranked higher than Emotion, Feeling or Sentiment. Its purpose is to philosophize, penetrate, investigate, originate, pursue the processes of inductive and deductive reasoning, a.n.a.lyze, synthesize, take apart, put together, combine, harmonize, search for, discover, and to manifest all the processes of Rational Thought, using the report of the Perceptives as "raw material." This group manifests outer form in the upper part of the forehead, immediately above the Reflective Qualities. (See Fig. 10.) When large it gives to the upper part of the forehead that appearance of _intellectuality_, which is so commonly recognized, and which has given rise to the semi-slang phrase "high-brow" as applied to persons manifesting intellect.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 10 THE REFLECTIVE QUALITIES]

a.n.a.lYSIS. This Quality manifests in a strong desire to _a.n.a.lyze_, _compare_, _cla.s.sify_, _infer_, _discriminate_, _ill.u.s.trate_, _etc._ It gathers together the "raw material" of perception, and proceeds to a.n.a.lyze and compare its particular parts, and then to group the parts together in a new cla.s.sification and synthesis. Those in whom it is largely developed manifest the power of _comparison_ to a high degree, discovering points of resemblance and difference almost intuitively.

They will plunge to the heart of a subject in a short time, and will be able to extract the _essence_ of an object or subject with comparatively little effort.

Spurzheim says of it: "The great law of this faculty seems to be to form abstract ideas, generalizations, and harmony among the operations of the other faculties.... It pre-supposes, however, the activity of the other faculties, and cannot act upon them if they are inactive."

Professor Nelson Sizer says that it, "frequently discovers unexpected resemblances among other things, and people who have it in a very active condition are constantly surprising those in whom it is dull by their novel ill.u.s.trations. It is the source of the ability some writers possess of using frequently metaphors and a.n.a.logies.... While it contributes to reason, it is not strictly so, _per se_.... It endeavors to prove that one thing is of such and such a nature, because it resembles another that is so and so; and because the majority of people have it fairly developed, they are p.r.o.ne to convert an ill.u.s.tration into an argument. It exercises a most important influence upon the mind in the way of a.n.a.lytical capability; and one who has it largely developed is quick in discovering and understanding differences, enigmatical a.s.sertions and improper or inaccurate allusions; hence it is essential to critical ac.u.men."

Gall says, regarding its discovery: "I often conversed with a philosopher endowed with great vivacity, who, when unable to prove his point by logic, had recourse to a comparison, by which he often threw his opponents off the track, which he could not do by arguments." It tends to reason by a.n.a.logy, and to make rapid and clever generalizations. The majority of scientists have it largely developed, as also do discoverers in all lines of investigation and research, and as Gall says: "Its possessors seize and judge well of the relations of things, etc., and are well fitted for business." It is attracted by investigation and thought regarding concrete things, rather than by abstract subjects. It is scientific, rather than philosophical.

As Prof. O. S. Fowler says, it: "ill.u.s.trates with great cleverness and facility from the known to the unknown, and discovers the deeper a.n.a.logies which pervade nature, and has an extraordinary power of discovering new truths. It reasons clearly and correctly from conclusions and scientific facts up to the laws which govern them; discerns the known from the unknown; detects error by its incongruity with facts; has an excellent talent for comparing, explaining, expounding, criticising, exposing, etc.; employs similes and metaphors well; puts this and that together, and draws correct inferences from them."

This Quality manifests in outer form in the middle of the upper part of the forehead, along the middle-line, just below the hair, directly above Eventuality, and between the two lobes of Logic (see group figure).

Prof. O. S. Fowler says of it: "It commences at the centre of the forehead and runs upward nearly to the hair. When it projects beyond surrounding organs it resembles a cone, its apex forming a ridge which widens as it rises. Its ample development elevates the middle of the upper portion of the forehead, and gives it an ascending form."

LOGIC. This Quality manifests in a strong desire to inquire into the "Why?" of things--into Causes--into the "Wherefore?"; and to reason therefrom to _effects_ and application of laws. Those in whom it is large manifest the power of _logical reasoning_ to a high degree, and abhor fallacies. This is the _philosophical_ faculty of mind. It searches back of facts and phenomena for _causes_, _motives_ _and laws_, and then reasons deductively from these. Combe says: "This faculty prompts us on all occasions to ask, "Why is this so, and what is its object?" It _demands reasons and proofs_ in the reasoning of its owner, as well as from others."

Prof. Nelson Sizer says: "It gives ability to look deeply into subjects, and to appreciate the logical sequences of arguments, hence it is large in persons who indicate genius in metaphysics, political economy, and all sciences of a profound character.... When prominent, and the perceptive faculties are moderate, and Comparison (a.n.a.lysis) is not equally influential, it tends to speculative thinking. Men so const.i.tuted are given to spinning improbable theories; their notions are too abstract for ordinary minds, and they are looked upon as dull and heavy weights in society. On the other hand when it (Logic) is deficient, the individual is superficial and incapable of taking comprehensive views of subjects; or forming judgments that will apply to the affairs of life successfully."

Professor O. S. Fowler says that this Quality gives "the desire to know the _why and wherefore_ of things, and to investigate their laws; ability to reason from causes down to effects, and from effects up to causes; the therefore and wherefore; ability to adapt ways and means to ends, to plan, contrive, invent, create resources, apply power advantageously, make heads save hands, kill two birds with one stone, predict the results of given measures, etc."

This Quality manifests outer form in the sides of the upper part of the forehead, one either side of a.n.a.lysis and over Locality (see group figure). When large it gives to the forehead a "high, bold, square"

form. With large Perceptives this Quality does not present so prominent an appearance and so marked a comparison, but with the Perceptives small it gives to the brow an "overhanging" appearance. With a.n.a.lysis equally, or nearly as strong, the fullness of course extends well across the forehead; but with a.n.a.lysis much smaller, Logic presents a bulging on each side of the forehead; while with a.n.a.lysis large and Logic small, the latter gives the appearance of two depressions on each side of the forehead.

Spurzheim well says of the combination of a.n.a.lysis and Logic (which he terms "Comparison" and "Causality," respectively): "Causality and Comparison combined const.i.tute Reason. Without Causality (Logic) there can be no argumentative reasoning; without Comparison (a.n.a.lysis), no comprehensive views, and no nice distinctions. Observation teaches objects, and Eventuality facts, while Comparison (a.n.a.lysis) points out their ident.i.ty, a.n.a.logy, difference or harmony, whereas Causality (Logic) seeks their causes, and all together discern general principles and laws; draw conclusions, inductions and creations, and const.i.tute a truly philosophical understanding."

CHAPTER XV

THE RELIGIO-MORAL QUALITIES

The tenth group is known as the Religio-Moral Qualities, and is composed of the following particular Qualities: _Reverence_, _Mysticism_, _Optimism_, and _Conscientiousness_, respectively. This group manifests outer form at the front-top of the head, and on either side thereof (see Fig. 11).

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 11 THE RELIGIO-MORAL QUALITIES]

REVERENCE. This Quality manifests in a strong reverence, respect and awe for and of higher beings, persons in authority, sacred things, religious ideas, const.i.tuted authority, leaders, teachers, and heroes. It may be symbolically expressed by the word, "Wors.h.i.+p." Like that of Mysticism, this Quality contains within its field the highest and the lowest. It manifests the reverence and veneration for the highest conceptions of Deity and Being; and also the fear and base servile wors.h.i.+p of idols, demoniac deities, devil-G.o.ds, etc. Likewise, it manifests in respect and submission for the lawfully const.i.tuted authorities; and also for false leaders and prophets, charlatans and imposters. In the same way it causes a hero-wors.h.i.+p for those who have performed meritorious tasks and have wrought good for the race; but also for the unworthy persons whose sensational deeds have brought them into the "limelight" of notoriety.

It manifests in all forms of the highest religion; and in the lowest forms of devil-wors.h.i.+p and low superst.i.tious awe and fear, in the richest religious experiences, and in the wildest fanaticism and hallucinations. The direction of the manifestation is decided by the relative development of the other propensities, particularly those of the reasoning faculties.

This Quality manifests outer form on the middle-top of the head, along the middle-line directly in front of Firmness, back of Sympathy, and just above Mysticism and Optimism (see group figure). When largely developed, it causes the middle of the top of the head to "bulge,"

particularly if Mysticism be also largely developed, the combination usually being thus.

MYSTICISM. This Quality manifests in a strong attraction for the supernatural, the marvellous, the unknown, the mysterious. When perverted it leads to superst.i.tion, gross credulity, belief in witchcraft; faith in signs, omens, and warnings, etc. When balanced by certain other Qualities it leads one to the higher flights of religious experience, faith, and consciousness of the "light within;" but when not so balanced it leads one to credulity, superst.i.tion and religious, occult, and mystical imposture.

"Psychic" phenomena are familiar to those in whom it is largely developed in connection with certain other mental qualities; clairvoyance, second-sight, spirit-vision and other peculiar experiences being common to these people. The prophets, seers, and wonder-workers belong to this cla.s.s of "psychics." Poets possess this Quality in many cases. The manifestations of this Quality include some of the very highest and the very lowest of "spiritual" experiences and feelings.

This paradox is explained when we consider the influence of the other Qualities, high and low, operating in connection with that of Mysticism.

In the garden of Mysticism grow the choicest flowers and the rankest and most noxious weeds.

This Quality is located immediately in front of Optimism, and below on either side of Reverence, on the front-upper part of the head (see group figure). When developed it renders the front top-head broad and prominent.

OPTIMISM. This Quality manifests in a strong tendency to look on the bright side of things, to expect the best, to antic.i.p.ate the best.

Spurzheim says of it: "Hope is necessary to the happiness of man in almost all situations and often gives more satisfaction than even success. Those who are everlastingly scheming or building castles in the air have it large. It believes possible whatever the other faculties desire. It is not confined to this life, but inspires hopes of a future state, and belief in the immortality of the soul. When too strong it expects the unreasonable and impossible; but when too weak, with Caution large, it produces low spirits, melancholy and despair."

This Quality when full produces optimists; when weak, pessimists; when medium, the average person who swings between the two extremes partaking of the nature of each. Those in whom it is developed to excess are apt to see success in everything, and with a lively imagination translate dreams into realities; of these persons it has been said: "show them an egg, and the next minute the air is full of feathers." When this Quality is weak the person is disposed to look for the worm in the apple, decay at the heart of the rose, and for the skeleton beneath the form of beauty. It has been said that "the optimist sees nothing but the body of the doughnut; the pessimist, nothing but the hole."

This Propensity manifests outer form at the middle sides of the upper head, in front of Conscientiousness, back of Spirituality (see group figure).

CONSCIENTIOUSNESS. This Quality manifests in a strong tendency to act according to truth, principle, duty, the accepted code of ethics, conception of right, accepted religious teachings--in short to regulate conduct according to the particular standard of "right and wrong"

accepted by the person. Those in whom it is large feel keenly their personal responsibility, duty, and moral obligation. With Reverence large, they model their standard of duty upon religious standards, while with Reverence small, and Sociability large, they model their standard upon social ethics, the Brotherhood of Man, and the "social conscience." In fact the Quality itself gives rise to what is generally called the "social conscience."

Combe says of this Propensity: "After more than thirty years experience of the world in actual life, and in various countries, I cannot remember an instance in which I have been permanently treated unjustly by one in whom this organ and intellect were large. Momentary injustice, through irritation or misrepresentation, may have been done; but after correct information and time to become cool, I have found such persons ever disposed to act on the dictates of Conscience; as well satisfied with justice.... It leads to punctuality in keeping appointments so as not to waste their time; to the ready payment of debts; will not send collectors away unsatisfied except from inability to pay; are reserved in making promises, but punctual in keeping them; and when favorably combined, are consistent in conduct.... Its predominance makes a strict disciplinarian and a rigid but just master; invests all actions with a sense of duty; thereby sometimes rendering estimable persons disagreeable."

In normal manifestation this Quality renders its possessor a most worthy and estimable individual; but when abnormally developed and not balanced by judgment and the reasoning faculties, it produces persecutors and religious and ethical tyrants, adhering to the letter of the law rather than to its spirit. Conscience is generally esteemed, but careful observers deplore the "ingrown conscience" and "blue-law spirit" of those of large Conscientiousness, large Destructiveness, and small Sympathy. Many so-called "reformers" belong to this last cla.s.s. This Quality manifests outer form on the side of the top part of the head, just below and on either side of Firmness. It lies between Firmness and Cautiousness, with Optimism just in front of it and Approbativeness just back of it (see group figure).