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Commentary by
Genevieve
Cunningham
Genevieve is the
second oldest of nine
children. She studied
writing in college, and
spent a few years
301
discerning with a
have not heard of them. Others say they are vaguely familiar with the concept,
Company. Originally
Not at all. Remember that humanity (and the very nature of being human) has
been brought into existence by God Himself. For thousands of years we have
been observing one another, and noting certain consistent behaviors and
actions.
Cunningham
directors. In fact, there have been four temperaments that have been
consistently proposed and studied as early as 300 B.C. They are: the Choleric,
the Melancholic, the Sanguine, and the Phlegmatic.
It is not a box.
Its not limiting you, treating you as a scientific sample to be diagnosed and
observed, or categorizing you as a certain kind of person who has a label. A
cookie cutter.
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A Catholics Guide to the 4 Temperaments: Which One Are You? | Get Fed | A Catholic Blog to Feed Your Faith
Importantly, our temperamentis our raw basic material. It does not have
anything to do with our personal baggage from our family and ancestors,
any traumatic experiences from childhood, or memories that have been
repressed. 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.
It is not an excuse.
Our temperament is not an excuse for our sins or flaws. When we are
uncharitable to others or seem stuck in certain patterns of sin, wecant
shrug and say, Thats just how I am, and never try to change.We also
cannot use the temperament concept to pigeon-hole others, or control and
manipulate them.
Just remember that identity is separate from sin. Yes, we commit sins, but
they are not who we are or who we called to be. (Remember the old saying
Love the sinner, hate the sin?)
1. The Choleric
People with this temperament tend to be egocentric and extroverted. They
may be excitable, impulsive, and restless, with reserves of aggression,
energy, and/or passion, and try to instill that in others.
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, stronghttps://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/four-temperaments-explained/[10.9.2016. 17:32:52]
A Catholics Guide to the 4 Temperaments: Which One Are You? | Get Fed | A Catholic Blog to Feed Your Faith
willed and like to be in charge. They can show leadership, are good at
planning, and are often practical and solution-oriented. They appreciate
receiving respect and esteem for their work. [Wikipedia]
2. The Melancholic
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. Melancholy personalities are people who have a deep love for
others, while usually holding themselves in contempt. They tend to be deepthinkers and feelers who often see the negative attributes of life, rather than
the good and positive things.
Melancholies are often very gifted people in areas of art, literature, music,
healthcare, ministry and so forth. They long to make a significant and
lasting difference in their world. Sadly, many melancholies are also victims
of deep bouts of depression that come from great dissatisfaction,
disappointment, hurtful words or events. In short, melancholies take life
very seriouslytoo much so sometimes, and it often leaves them feeling
blue, helpless or even hopeless.
3. The Sanguine
The sanguine temperament is traditionally associated with air. People with
this temperament tend to be lively, sociable, carefree, talkative, and
pleasure-seeking. They may be warm-hearted and optimistic. They can
make new friends easily, be imaginative and artistic, and often have many
ideas. They can be flighty and changeable; thus sanguine personalities may
struggle with following tasks all the way through and be chronically late or
forgetful. [Wikipedia]
4. The Phlegmatic
People with this temperament may be inward and private, thoughtful,
reasonable, calm, patient, caring, and tolerant. They tend to have a rich
inner life, seek a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, and be content with
themselves. They tend to be steadfast, consistent in their habits, and thus
steady and faithful friends.
They barely express emotion at all. While the sanguine might whoop and
cheer and jump for joy at the slightest provocation, phlegmatics are unlikely
to express more than a smile or a frown. Their emotions happen mainly
internally. [Temperaments.FigHunter.com]
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A Catholics Guide to the 4 Temperaments: Which One Are You? | Get Fed | A Catholic Blog to Feed Your Faith
It is crucial for spouses to know and understand one anothers temperaments, and to
support each other on their journey to holiness
Most likely, while reading these descriptions, you were able to find yourself in
one of them pretty quickly. If you need a more concrete example, how about
a fun analogy? Fisheaters.com shared this humorously accurate anecdote:
Its important to note that most people have a secondary temperament rather
than being purely one temperament. For example, certain members of my family
are Melancholic-Choleric.
Well, its important for a number of reasons. One of them is that knowing and
understanding the four temperaments will help us to understand other
people, and to be patient and loving to them. It gives us a clearer view of
their own struggles and challenges and the battles they will have to fight.
Take a tip now: be familiar with the temperaments. Let such knowledge
teach you charity!
https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/four-temperaments-explained/[10.9.2016. 17:32:52]
A Catholics Guide to the 4 Temperaments: Which One Are You? | Get Fed | A Catholic Blog to Feed Your Faith
Saint Thomas Aquinas, it is said, possessed the best qualities of the phlegmatic
temperament.
Heres an example:
The Choleric
may struggle with anger, pride, and impatience. So he will need Gods grace
to cultivate gentleness, humility, and patience.
usually has a strong will, great constancy, and energy for carrying out his
tasks.
The Melancholic
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A Catholics Guide to the 4 Temperaments: Which One Are You? | Get Fed | A Catholic Blog to Feed Your Faith
The Sanguine
may struggle with superficiality, lust, and lack of perseverance. He will need
Gods grace to cultivate purity, interior depth and strength, and
perseverance.
The Phlegmatic
may struggle with doing the wrong thing in order to please others, laziness,
and the inability to confront or take initiative. They will need Gods grace to
cultivate fortitude, holy ambition, and strength of will.
And you know what? Each temperament is a blessing. It takes all kinds to run
the world. Just as the distinct differences between man and woman dovetail and
complement each other, the unified interaction and charity between all four
temperaments is a powerful thing.
Christ is the only One who is said to have had a perfect combination of the
temperaments. He experienced all human emotions, but unlike us, he never
abused them or acted on them in the ways that fallen human nature does
continuously.
https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/four-temperaments-explained/[10.9.2016. 17:32:52]
A Catholics Guide to the 4 Temperaments: Which One Are You? | Get Fed | A Catholic Blog to Feed Your Faith
So if you ever feel discouraged when facing the reality of your own failings, why
not look to a saint who shares your temperament, and turn to them as an
intercessor? Here are a few:
Some Phlegmatic saints: Saint Thomas Aquinas and Pope Saint John
XXIII
Always remember that your temperament can be a gift to those around you, if
you allow it to be vitalized and animated by grace. Submit it to God.
Each soul is truly unique. Thats not just a sentimental phrase. Its true. Each
soul is utterly unique, and absolutely irreplaceable. The absence of a person
leaves a hole that is shaped to thema hole that no one else can fill.
What have you learned from encountering people who are very different from
you?
Do you have any advice for other readers who share your temperament?
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A Catholics Guide to the 4 Temperaments: Which One Are You? | Get Fed | A Catholic Blog to Feed Your Faith
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Comments
Renetta says
July 20, 2016 at 9:45 pm
I am some of more than one & I often pray for the intercession of
https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/four-temperaments-explained/[10.9.2016. 17:32:52]
A Catholics Guide to the 4 Temperaments: Which One Are You? | Get Fed | A Catholic Blog to Feed Your Faith
many saints. Love all of them of course, but some are more
prayed with.
Amanda says
July 21, 2016 at 8:43 am
I am a mix of the first two temperaments and I have a great
devotion to the little flower. My friend is a mixture of the second
and the last temperament and she was shocked by the saints
because she has a big devotion with saints from other
temperaments. I believe that we are all mostly one temperament
but God gave us a little of each so we can show empathy and
mercy to each other.
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