Author Topic: Melancholic temperament (Read 13153 times)

Matthew · « **on:** December 09, 2010, 11:42:34 PM »

Melancholic Temperament. The melancholic temperament is weak as regards reaction to stimulus, and it is difficult to arouse; however, after repeated impressions the reaction is strong and lasting, so that the melancholic temperament does not forget easily.

As regards good qualities that serve as predispositions to virtue, persons of melancholic temperament are inclined to reflection, piety, and the interior life. They are compassionate toward those who suffer, attracted to the corporal works of mercy, and able to endure suffering to the point of heroism in the performance of their duties. They have a .sharp and profound intellect and, because of their natural bent to solitude and reflection, they generally consider matters thoroughly. They may become detached and dry intellectuals or contemplatives who dedicate themselves to the interior life of prayer. They usually appreciate the fine arts but are more drawn to the speculative sciences.

When they love, it is with difficulty that they detach themselves from the object of their love. They suffer greatly if ethers treat them with coldness or ingratitude. The power of their will is greatly affected by their physical strength and health. If their physical powers are exhausted, their will is weak, but if they are in good health and spirits they are energetic workers. Normally they do not experience the vehement passions that may torment persons of a sanguine temperament. We may say in general that this temperament is opposed to the sanguine temperament as the choleric temperament is opposed to the phlegmatic temperament.

The unfavorable traits of the melancholic temperament are an exaggerated tendency to sadness and melancholy; an inclination to magnify difficulties and thus to lose confidence in self; excessive reserve and timidity, with a propensity to scrupulosity. Persons of melancholic temperament do not show their feelings as do the sanguine; they suffer in silence because they find it difficult to reveal themselves. They tend to be pessimistic, and many enterprises are never begun because of their lack of confidence.

Those who are in charge of educating or training the melancholic temperament should keep in mind their strong tendency to concentrate excessively on. themselves. It is important to inculcate in these persons a strong confidence in God and in themselves, as well as a more optimistic view of life. Since they have good intellects and tend to reflection, they should be made to realize that there is no reason for them to be timid or irresolute. At all costs the director must destroy their indecision and get them to make firm resolutions and to undertake projects with enthusiasm and optimism. Sometimes it is necessary to give them a special regimen of rest and nourishment and to forbid them to spend long hours in prayer and solitude or to observe fasts.

Dulcamara · « **Reply #1 on:** December 10, 2010, 01:09:40 AM »

Stop talking about me.

Lybus · « **Reply #2 on:** December 10, 2010, 01:59:16 AM »

if i were to place my bets, I would say that of the members on this forum, this would be the most popular personality for us to have.

However, as I see myself as being deeply melancholic, I might just be self-projecting, lol.

Belloc · « **Reply #3 on:** December 10, 2010, 07:23:36 AM »

I am predominately Phlegmatic

Arborman · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2010, 08:17:38 AM »

This describes me very well! I am deeply melancholic. I read a book called the 4 temperaments which I highly recommend.

Matthew · « **Reply #5 on:** December 10, 2010, 09:25:40 AM »

Quote from: Arborman

This describes me very well! I am deeply melancholic. I read a book called the 4 temperaments which I highly recommend.

If you own that book, or have read it -- because you're interested in such things -- you have a good chance of being at least part Melancholic :)

Having read this description, I'd say I'm Choleric-Melancholic. A lot of things in this description *don't* fit me, though some do. Choleric fits me almost perfectly though -- it has me pegged.

Matthew · « **Reply #6 on:** December 10, 2010, 09:27:56 AM »

Quote from: Dulcamara

Stop talking about me.

Hahaha

I'd say you're almost a pure Melancholic. They do exist, as do pure versions of the other temperaments.

I read it, and it does sound like the author said, "Oh, I can write about Melancholics later. Right now, just for fun, let's describe Dulcamara instead."

Caminus · « **Reply #7 on:** December 10, 2010, 03:42:35 PM »

These classifications of temperaments always struck me as a bit like writing horoscopes. Each description has a little bit of truth to it but were too overgeneralized to be singularly applied. Does anyone know where this notion of four temperaments is derived?

Arborman · « **Reply #8 on:** December 10, 2010, 05:06:51 PM »

I believe the book I had was written by a priest in the 30's, I don't remember for sure because I gave it to my daughter. It is nothing like a horoscope, but gives insights to personality types.

Catholic Samurai · « **Reply #9 on:** December 10, 2010, 07:48:44 PM »

Im a Choleric-Melancholic as well.

Catholic Samurai · « **Reply #10 on:** December 10, 2010, 07:50:26 PM »

Quote from: Belloc

I am predominately Phlegmatic

After reading all your posts I find that hard to believe. :rolleyes:

Emerentiana · « **Reply #11 on:** December 10, 2010, 08:26:54 PM »

Quote from: Matthew

Melancholic Temperament. The melancholic temperament is weak as regards reaction to stimulus, and it is difficult to arouse; however, after repeated impressions the reaction is strong and lasting, so that the melancholic temperament does not forget easily.

As regards good qualities that serve as predispositions to virtue, persons of melancholic temperament are inclined to reflection, piety, and the interior life. They are compassionate toward those who suffer, attracted to the corporal works of mercy, and able to endure suffering to the point of heroism in the performance of their duties. They have a .sharp and profound intellect and, because of their natural bent to solitude and reflection, they generally consider matters thoroughly. They may become detached and dry intellectuals or contemplatives who dedicate themselves to the interior life of prayer. They usually appreciate the fine arts but are more drawn to the speculative sciences.

When they love, it is with difficulty that they detach themselves from the object of their love. They suffer greatly if ethers treat them with coldness or ingratitude. The power of their will is greatly affected by their physical strength and health. If their physical powers are exhausted, their will is weak, but if they are in good health and spirits they are energetic workers. Normally they do not experience the vehement passions that may torment persons of a sanguine temperament. We may say in general that this temperament is opposed to the sanguine temperament as the choleric temperament is opposed to the phlegmatic temperament.

The unfavorable traits of the melancholic temperament are an exaggerated tendency to sadness and melancholy; an inclination to magnify difficulties and thus to lose confidence in self; excessive reserve and timidity, with a propensity to scrupulosity. Persons of melancholic temperament do not show their feelings as do the sanguine; they suffer in silence because they find it difficult to reveal themselves. They tend to be pessimistic, and many enterprises are never begun because of their lack of confidence.

Those who are in charge of educating or training the melancholic temperament should keep in mind their strong tendency to concentrate excessively on. themselves. It is important to inculcate in these persons a strong confidence in God and in themselves, as well as a more optimistic view of life. Since they have good intellects and tend to reflection, they should be made to realize that there is no reason for them to be timid or irresolute. At all costs the director must destroy their indecision and get them to make firm resolutions and to undertake projects with enthusiasm and optimism. Sometimes it is necessary to give them a special regimen of rest and nourishment and to forbid them to spend long hours in prayer and solitude or to observe fasts.

One year at our annual Fatima Conference in Spokane, one of the sisters gave a lectures on the 4 humors as they are called.
She handed out a long questionnaire that we filled out and determined our temperments.
I was choloric / meloncholic! :rolleyes:

Matthew · « **Reply #12 on:** December 10, 2010, 09:27:49 PM »

Caminus --

The Four Temperaments are meant to be taken for what they are -- a hat-rack for the 4 main types of people.

What use are they?

Well, they're particularly useful for a priest in the confessional. You can't know everyone intimately well -- but if you figure out you're dealing with a Choleric, for example, you can deal with him accordingly. He's not going to break under a challenge, etc. Whereas a melancholic you'll have to be more gentle -- yet you'll have to work harder to spur him to action.

You get the idea.

For laymen? Maybe useful for raising children, or dealing with people in general.

Matthew

Caminus · « **Reply #13 on:** December 10, 2010, 10:49:51 PM »

I get the concept, but where do they originate? I find it hard to believe it was only from the 1930's.

Roman Catholic · « **Reply #14 on:** December 10, 2010, 11:42:23 PM »

Quote from: Matthew

Caminus --

The Four Temperaments are meant to be taken for what they are -- a hat-rack for the 4 main types of people.

What use are they?

Well, they're particularly useful for a priest in the confessional. You can't know everyone intimately well -- but if you figure out you're dealing with a Choleric, for example, you can deal with him accordingly. He's not going to break under a challenge, etc. Whereas a melancholic you'll have to be more gentle -- yet you'll have to work harder to spur him to action.

You get the idea.

For laymen? Maybe useful for raising children, or dealing with people in general.

Matthew

And for knowing oneself better, so one knows what inclinations, weaknesses, and strengths they have. -- What to be on guard about and how to capitalize on strenghts and traits to improve spiritually, and to discern what endeavors one may be suited to. Etc etc.