The pattern of inclinations and reactions that proceed from the physiological constitution of the individual. Something permanent that admits of only secondary modification. (OUR WIRING.)
Sanguine Temperament
- Reacts quickly and strongly to almost any stimulation or impression
- Reaction is usually of short duration
- Remembrance of past experiences does not easily arouse a new response.
- Usually have a serene view of life and are optimists.
- Tend to idealize rather than criticize.
- Alert intellects, learn quickly if not deeply
- Principal defects: superficiality, inconstancy, sensuality, hasty judgements
- Quickly repent of sins, easily return to them.
Melancholic Temperament
- Difficult to arouse, but after repeated impressions the reaction is strong and listing; does not forget easily.
- Inclined to reflection, piety, the interior life, compassionate to the suffering, attracted to corporal works of mercy, endure suffering heroically.
- Sharp intellect, thorough thinkers; may become detached in their intellectual interior.
- Normally do not experience the vehement passions that may torment the sanguine.
- Exaggerated tendency to sadness, magnify difficulties; excessive reserve, scrupulosity. Suffer in silence; do not reveal themselves, tend toward pessimism.
Choleric Temperament
- Reacts quickly and strongly to almost any stimulation or impression
- Impression lasts a long time
- Inclined to practical action (work) rather than theoretical speculation
- Quick to work the plan made/direction chosen; likewise to overcome obstacles
- Postively channeled: great saints; negatively channeled: great sinners
- Principal defects: obstinancy, insensitivity to others’ feelings, tactlessness, impatience
- Can be of great worth if they succeed in controlling and guiding their energies
- Key to spiritual growth: cultivate true humility of heart
Phlegmatic Temperament
- Emotions rarely aroused, and if so, only weakly
- Work slowly but assiduously, tranquil, discreet, sober
- Great deal of commonsense and mental balance
- Do not possess
- the inflammable passions of the sanguine temperament
- the deep passions of the melancholic temperament
- the ardent passions of the choleric temperament
- Defects: tendency toward remoteness; disengaged from events and people around them
Using Temperaments in Self-Examination
- Temperaments are our wiring.
- The Devil uses our wiring against us.
- Together with a Root Sin analysis, we have greater understanding in how we are attacked by the Devil and why those attacks are successful.
- Habits are “dwellings of behavior” – Temperaments help/hinder formation of good habits, replacement of bad habits.
Bound in Love 