![]() People with this temperament tend to be lively, sociable, carefree, talkative, and pleasure-seeking. The sanguine temperament is traditionally associated with air. They are very “introspective” and hold themselves to a very high standard…one that can rarely be achieved. Melancholies usually have a high degree of perfectionistic tendencies…especially in regards to their own lives or performance. They long to make a significant and lasting difference in their world. Melancholies are often very gifted people in areas of art, literature, music, healthcare, ministry and so forth. They tend to be deep-thinkers and feelers… Melancholy personalities are people who have a deep love for others, while usually holding themselves in contempt. It has been said that the Melancholy personality is the “richest of all temperaments, but at the largest cost.” History would probably reveal this to be true. Often they stir him up profoundly, particularly religious reflections or plans which he cherishes yet he hardly permits his fierce excitement to be noticed outwardly. His very thoughts arouse his own sympathy and are accompanied by a mysterious longing. The melancholic is of an extremely soft-hearted disposition. ![]() His thoughts are of a wide range he looks ahead into the future ascends to the eternal. The thoughts of the melancholic are far reaching…he is penetrating is not satisfied with the superficial, searches for the cause and correlation of things seeks the laws which affect human life, the principles according to which man should act. They appreciate receiving respect and esteem for their work. 2. They can show leadership, are good at planning, and are often practical and solution-oriented. They tend to be task-oriented people and are focused on getting a job done efficiently their motto is usually “do it now.” They can be ambitious, strong-willed and like to be in charge. They may be excitable, impulsive, and restless, with reserves of aggression, energy, and/or passion, and try to instill that in others. People with this temperament tend to be egocentric and extroverted. There is much more that can be said about each one, so if you want richer detail, you can read something like The Temperament God Gave You for a more complete definition. Here is a simplified, concise breakdown of each temperament. (Remember the old saying “Love the sinner, hate the sin”?) Definition of the Four Temperaments Yes, we commit sins, but they are not who we are or who we called to be. Just remember that identity is separate from sin. But the strengths can deepen, and the weaknesses can recede, all according to God’s grace in us. Even so, our temperament itself will not change it is something that is deeply a part of who we are, which means that temperaments don’t change with the years. We also cannot use the temperament concept to pigeon-hole others, or control and manipulate them.Įach temperament has particular strengths and weaknesses. When we are uncharitable to others or seem stuck in certain patterns of sin, we can’t shrug and say, “That’s just how I am,” and never try to change. Our temperament is not an excuse for our sins or flaws. We truly are unique individuals from conception! 2. My own mother has pointed out that my siblings and I occasionally exhibited certain temperament attributes in the womb that remained consistent as we grew up. Our temperament is not carved out by things we experience in life it simply means that because of who we are as created by God, we will respond to certain things in certain ways and have consistent behaviors and preferences towards the things we encounter in life. ![]() They are: the Choleric, the Melancholic, the Sanguine, and the Phlegmatic. The temperaments have been analyzed by medieval theologians and spiritual directors. In fact, there have been four temperaments that have been consistently proposed and studied as early as 300 B.C. “He behaves more like his father.” Their comments are meaningless if there aren’t consistent behaviors and responses to stimuli. “Billy’s a lot like his mother,” someone might say. For thousands of years we have been observing one another, and noting certain consistent behaviors and actions. Remember that human beings (and the very nature of being human) have been brought into existence by God Himself. Why should the four temperaments be important to a Catholic? Aren’t they a purely secular, irreligious way of understanding the human person? Others say they are vaguely familiar with the concept, but need to be refreshed as to what the definition of each temperament is. Sometimes it surprises me how many people have not heard of them. ![]() One of my favorite conversation starters-whether I am with new friends or old ones-is to ask them whether they have heard of the four temperaments, and if they know which one they are. ![]()
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