The big four temperaments

The big four temperaments 

(Choleric, Sanguine, Melancholic, Phlegmatic) 

        Unlike personality, temperament is something we were born with. Our raw materials. Over the years people change and shape their personalities. But temperament isn’t something we could easily change. It’s the real us. It stays and hides deep inside.  

       The big four temperaments was first discovered by Tim LaHaye. The theories had developed and helped numbers of souls in learning the society. You can easily take the temperament test here : http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/2FF0QY4/Personality-Plus-Test 

Or: https://www.123test.com/disc-personality-test/ 

          None of the several temperaments that exist in the world today were ever meant to confine or restrict us from behaving out of character. They were developed in order to help us understand why we behave, communicate the way we do as individuals interacting with individuals, and how we perceive, and process information in a global world that is rapidly changing. 

         This is one of many helpful tools that pinpoint four temperaments to help us understand ourselves and each other. The four types are Choleric, Sanguine, Melancholy, and Phlegmatic. They have been outlined below. I encourage you to take the test to determine which one or two best define you. 

         Try to be objective as you read about your personality type as I have listed a general overview, as well as the positives and negatives of each type. You can download the following document, print the test, and score yourself.   

http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/downloadFile.cgi?file=13326-6-24410-Chap_7_1_Temperament_test.doc&filename=Chap_7_1_Temperament_test.doc. 

         The Four Temperaments is considered as the one way of  matching personality types according to a wacky ancient pseudoscience. The Four Temperaments (also called the "four humors") was a theory that behavior was caused by concentrations of body fluids — the "humors" of classical medicine: blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. A temporary imbalance would create an illness: too much blood caused a fever, too much yellow bile caused a cough, too much black bile caused depression, and too much phlegm caused a cold. A permanent imbalance led to a person having a certain type of intentions, behavior, and personality. The theory is still used for personality profiling. An ensemble based on these four humors can make the cast diverse without actually changing the roles of the characters in the story. 

Sanguine (blood): Extroverted, emotional, and people-oriented. 

 

• Key Strengths: Charming, cheerful, loves people, energetic, talkative, passionate and compassionate, positive, sometimes unpredictable, expressive influencer, an excellent comedian, salesman or clown, quirky or eccentric and just plain fun.  

• In common with phlegmatic: Friendly, forgiving, optimistic endurer, emotionally available, won't get negative, good with relationships.  

• In common with choleric: Adventurous, confident, hard to embarrass.  
• Key Weaknesses: Undisciplined, too talkative, emotionally unstable, hyperactive, scatterbrained, gullible, disorganized, late for work, and sometimes frivolous.  
• In common with phlegmatic: Weak-willed, likes to appease other people, gullible, overly idealistic to the point of inability to grasp what's gone wrong  
• In common with choleric: Impulsive, egotistical, shallow and self-absorbed at times  
• Expressive high, responsive high; response's delay short, duration short.  
• The Inspired Influencer of DISC and Myers-Briggs types generally E_F_.  
• Will often correspond with the Optimist when in a Four-Philosophy Ensemble.  
• Amongst the "Dere Types" can qualify as a pure Yandere (Playful and Obsessive).  
• Oni type and Good Cop/Bad Cop: Brash Red Oni, but with "Good Cop" diplomacy  
• Corresponding element, season, and division of a day: (hot and moist) air, spring, and morning.  
• In a person's life, it corresponds to young childhood (roughly ages 0-13).  
• Organ: Liver.  
• Archetypal color: Gold, brighter shades of yellow, all shades of pink or aqua (the colors of the Sky).  
• The Yin-Yang Duo: Yang (white).  
• Planet or Satellite: Jupiter.  
• Western Zodiac Constellations: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.  
• Personality Blood Type: B  

Overview  

       Easily excited by external influences, reacting quickly, although the impression is often short-lived. There is somewhat of a superficiality, or better said, lack of depth (part v. whole relationship), in the sanguine personality. The sanguine commonly follows others and has little stability as a result. Fickle in ideas, opinions, and resolutions. Changes moods often (from laughter to tears in a matter of seconds). The sanguine rarely internalizes his/her focus and instead devotes attention to the external (his/her appearance, and of others, to beautiful faces, fashions and manners). The sanguine is full of optimism. 

The not so great Characteristics  

       Vanity and self=complacency, loving the appearance of his/herself and the praise of others. The sanguine is very inclined to flirt, and has a great degree of jealous tendencies. The sanguine cannot be left alone. There is a cheerfulness and love of pleasure that accompany the desire to always have someone around to enjoy life with. The sanguine decision are likely to be the wrong decisions, their undertaking fail easily since they believe success is inevitable and will therefore take it for granted, they are unstable, and they have little understanding of themselves since they rarely internalize conflict. 

The wonderful Characteristics  

       Everyone loves and knows the sanguine. He/she has the most friends and easily makes new friends. This is the extrovert of the four temperaments. The sanguine is extremely friendly, pleasant, and willing to accommodate. Is often found entertaining others, is compassionate towards others, and is graced with the gift of calling others out on their faults without bringing humiliation or displeasure. Very virtuous. Rarely shows resentment or defiance. Wishes the best for everyone. 

Choleric (yellow bile): Extroverted, unemotional, and task-oriented. 

  

• Key Strengths: Takes the lead, hard worker, strong-willed, practical, passionate, a good repossession worker, an excellent strongman/woman of the team (drill sergeant at the most extreme), determined, goal-oriented and thrives under criticism.  

• In common with sanguine: Confident, loves a challenge, hard to embarrass  

• In common with melancholic: Good planner, independent, honest without any compromisation, Excellent agent of change, pure hard worker  
• Key Weaknesses: Hot-tempered, rude, rebellious, can be cruel, stubborn, harsh, bossy, expects complete devotion, insensitive, often condescending, can become psychotic in overbearing situations, workaholic, can be a warmonger, vindictive, a shallow cynic of people's character, most likely a bad winner/loser, and may nastily misinterpret jokes.  
• In common with sanguine: Arrogant, boisterous, often dramatic, unhinged, unfiltered in speech, often likes to make "in your face" insults  
• In common with melancholic: Inflexible, emotionally distant, strict, demanding and fastidious, not very cooperative, vengeful, self-righteous and dogmatic, sees the worst in people  
• Expressive high, responsive low; response's delay short, duration long.  
• The Dominant Driver of DISC and Myers-Briggs types generally E_T_.  
• Will often correspond with The Cynic when in a Four-Philosophy Ensemble.  
• Amongst the four main "Dere Types" can qualify as a pure Tsundere (Harsh and Maturing).  
• Oni type and Good Cop/Bad Cop: Red Oni and harsh, pure "Bad Cop"  
• Corresponding element, season, and division of a day: (hot and dry) fire, summer, and afternoon.  
• In a person's life, it corresponds with adolescence and young adulthood (roughly ages 13-35).  
• Organ: Spleen.  
• Archetypal color: Darker shades of yellow, all shades of red or orange (the colors of a Volcano).  
• The Yin-Yang Duo: Yang (Red).  
• Planet or Satellite: Mars.  
• Western Zodiac Constellations: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.  
• Personality Blood Type: O  

An Overview  

      Enthusiastic, having very high aspirations and cravings for success. The choleric must be the best in everything and have the best of everything. Extremely ambitious, having a keen intellect, a strong will, strong passions, an impulse to dominate others becoming their superior and making them subservient. 

The not so great Characteristics 

      The choleric is commonly prideful, full of him/her, thinking highly of his/her great qualities and even considers his/her faults worthy of praise. Also, is stubborn and has an opinion on everything. The choleric believes he/she is always right. The choleric is confident, believes others are weak, ignorant, incompetent and slow. Upon humiliation the choleric feels hurt resulting in anger, deceit, and judgments towards others. 

The wonderful Characteristics 

      The choleric possesses a sharp, keen intellect and will combine with great enthusiasm. Very successful in his/her profession, working diligently in spite of obstacles. Choleric are brief, precise, and sure in their speech. 

Melancholic (black bile): Introverted, emotional, and task-oriented.

  

• Key Strengths: Detailed, conservative, analytical, organized, perfectionistic, faithful to a fault, discreet will of stone, elegant (in the more dignified ways), selfless, an excellent medic or lawyer.  

• In common with choleric: Excellent leader, practical, an effective manipulator of people, punctual.  

• In common with phlegmatic: Polite, ethical to a fault, deep, thoughtful, sensitive, artistic  
• Key Weaknesses: Rigid, too straight-laced, critical, bashful, pessimistic, moody, depressed, impractical (yes, both practical and impractical), has unrealistically high expectations, very paranoid  
• In common with choleric: Inflexible, snobbish, emotionally distant, strict, resentful, vengeful, self-righteous and dogmatic, sees the worst in people, harshly sarcastic.  
• In common with phlegmatic: Shy, insecure, easily embarrassed, slowpoke  
• Expressive low, responsive low; response's delay long, duration long.  
• The Contemplating Conscience of DISC and Myers-Briggs types generally I_T_.  
• Will often correspond with the Apathetic or the Conflicted when in a Four-Philosophy Ensemble.  
• Amongst the four main "Dere Types" can qualify as a pure Kuudere (Cold and Blunt).  
• Oni type and Good Cop/Bad Cop: Calm, stoic Blue Oni, but stern "Bad Cop" perspective  
• Corresponding element, season, and division of a day: (cool and dry) earth, autumn, and evening.  
• In a person's life, it corresponds to middle-aged adulthood (roughly ages 35-65).  
• Organ: Gall Bladder.  
• Archetypal color: Navy blue, dark purple, olive green, all shades of brown or black (the colors of a cave or cavern).  
• The Yin-Yang Duo: Yin (black).  
• Planet or Satellite: Saturn.  
• Western Zodiac Constellations: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.  
• Personality Blood Type: AB  

Overview  

          Like the Sanguine, the Melancholic is also easily excited by things. However, unlike the Sanguine, the initial reaction of excitement is weak, but the impression remains long and grows stronger by subsequent impressions of a similar nature. A person of this temperament is inclined to deep, thoughts and reflection, dwelling the past, looking ahead to the future, is very profound, finds meaning in just about everything, and is not satisfied with the superficial. The melancholic is driven by laws and principles. The melancholic is most comfortable alone, and in silence. He/she is very introspective and always sees life from a serious perspective, often feeling burdened and brought down by temporal affairs. Melancholies are commonly passive, reserved, irresolute, despondent, lacking courage, slow in thought and speech. Melancholies despise the lime-light, and would rather withdraw and let others receive recognition, even when they are praiseworthy. 

The not so great Characteristics 

          Easily falls into mental distress and this can be extremely intense. The melancholic, more than any other temperament, has keen awareness of moral right and wrong, and has a deep longing for morality. They are inclined to despair, intense expressions of grief, and occurrences of depression. This can result in self-pity, and he/she may become a burden to friends and family. He/she can also lose confidence in others, specifically superiors; there is a loss of trust and respect when the melancholy becomes aware of a fellow man's weaknesses and faults. The melancholy vehemently desires justice, and forgiveness of offences is hardly an option. He/she is suspicious, lacks trust in people and fears that everyone is out to get him/her. He/she is pessimistic about everything. 

The wonderful Characteristics 

         Loves solitude and is often productive in solitary hobbies encompassing the fine arts, liberal arts, crafts, writing, analytics, drama, contributing deep and profound thoughts and ideas to poetics, philosophy, science, and legislation, etc. There is a joy and a relaxation that results in the melancholic devoting time to these activities. Melancholies are excellent counselors to friends, encouragers, give great affirmation when necessary, they are trustworthy and genuine. They are willing to make extreme sacrifices for the sake of others. 

Phlegmatic (phlegm): Introverted, unemotional, and people-oriented. 

  

  

• Key Strengths: Calm, humble, an excellent assistant, spy or librarian, discreet, flexible will of steel (flexible steel), elegant (in the simpler ways), thoughtful, patient, modest, a real sweetheart, accommodating, steady-paced, sympathetic, perceptive, very compassionate, assuming innocent until proven guilty, a good listener, considerate, and empathetic to all.  

• In common with melancholic: Polite, reserved, gentle, ethical to a fault, dependable, mysterious, quiet and stealthy, a deep poker face  
• In common with sanguine: Pleasant, forgiving, witty, easygoing, idealistic endurer, emotionally available, a good sense of humour, good with relationships.  

• Key Weaknesses: Indifferent, submissive, lazy, slow, slacker, indecisive and too yielding.  

• In common with melancholic: Timid and docile, scared of sudden change, stubborn (about certain things), easily embarrassed  
• In common with sanguine: teasing, too compromising, forgetful, unable to find what's wrong  

• Expressive low, responsive high; response's delay long, duration short.  

• The Stable Supporter of DISC and Myers-Briggs types generally I_F_.  
• Will often correspond with the Realist or the Conflicted when in a Four-Philosophy Ensemble.  
• Amongst the four main "Dere Types" can qualify as a pure Dandere (Shy and Calm).  
• Oni type and Good Cop/Bad Cop: Blue Oni and diplomatic, pure "Good Cop"  
• Corresponding element, season, and division of a day: (cool and moist) water, winter, and deep night.  
• In a person's life, it corresponds to older adulthood (roughly ages 65 and up).  
• Organ: Lungs/Brain.  
• Archetypal color: Teal, green, white, gray, all shades of blue or black (the colors of the ocean).  
• The Yin-Yang Duo: Yin (blue).  
• Planet or Satellite: Moon.  
• Western Zodiac Constellations: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.  
• Personality Blood Type: A  

Overview  

      Not moved by impressions at all; the reaction is missing, or empty, and they fade quickly. There is little interest in what is going on around him/her. Loves leisure, and is often unmotivated to work. Everything proceeds at a slow pace. 

The not so great Characteristics 

      Inclined to things that require little to no effort, eating, drinking, is lazy, and neglects duties. Often misses opportunities, has no ambition and no aspirations in life. 

The wonderful Characteristics 

      Perseverant. Not easily offended, and not moved by failures or sufferings. Always maintains composure, is thoughtful and deliberate. He/she has a sober, objective, rational, and practical judgment. Demands little in life, and has not intense passions.

      The four temperament system, while interesting, was seen as flawed even back then as some people did not fit with any of the presented humors, so a neutral temperament has been used, labeled sometimes as the Leukine, other times the Eclectic, although in fiction this has been mostly reserved either for the lead character or more commonly for secondary characters (as for Four-Philosophy Ensemble, usually the Realist or Apathetic). Additionally, this "fifth humour" often shares many common elements with the Phlegmatic.

     Historically in plays, there was a whole genre: Comedy of Humors, where the impetus of the story is the sudden banding of these opposing types. This is in contrast to the Comedy of Errors, where the story is driven by the events and situations. They are similar to the four Personality Blood Types, and are sometimes also a Four-Element Ensemble.