How to Read Human Nature: Its Inner States and Outer FormsAtkinson, William Walker
Science
How to Read Human Nature: Its Inner States and Outer Forms
Atkinson, William Walker
Character; Personality; Phrenology; Physiognomy
In Fig. 14, we see the Pear-shaped Face. This face is indicative of the
Mental Temperament. It is usually associated with a delicately formed
body, and finely proportioned physical shape; the shoulders often being
narrow, and the neck long. These people manifest the characteristics of
mental and nervous force, rather than of vital or motive energy. They
often have bright, expressive eyes, and show other signs of the artistic
or literary character. They are inclined to be sensitive and
impressionable, and to suffer and enjoy keenly.
In addition to the aforementioned general types, there are several
others which are modifications thereof, and which we shall now consider.
In Fig. 15, we see the Square Face. This face indicates a combination of
the Motive and Vital Temperaments, with the Religio-Moral Qualities
deficient and the Selfish-Qualities predominant. These people usually
have square, stocky bodies, strong and wiry, and are tenacious of life.
They are Materialistic to a degree, and cannot understand others who
differ temperamentally from them. Usually, they have Combativeness and
Destructiveness large; strong Perceptive Qualities; and but moderate
Conscientiousness. They look out for themselves, pushing others aside,
and not being disturbed by "the higher feelings." They are generally
stubborn; and their weak point is apt to be Amativeness.
[Illustration: FIG. 15 SQUARE FACE]
In Fig. 16, we see the Egg-shaped Face. This face indicates the Mental
Temperament with the Psychic Qualities largely in the ascendent. The
Selfish Qualities are weak, while the Qualities of Mysticism, Reverence
and Ideality are large. These people are generally known as "spiritual,"
and are often very "psychic." They are generally impractical and dwell
in an ideal world apart from the things of earth.
[Illustration: FIG. 16 EGG-SHAPED FACE]
In Fig. 17, we see the Inverted-Egg-shaped Face. This face indicates the
extreme form of the Vital Temperament, associated with an absence of the
active qualities which should accompany it. The Mental and Motive
Qualities are quite deficient, while the purely _Animal_ Qualities are
strong. The result is a _pig-like_ nature, content with wallowing in the
mud of the animal propensities and having a full swill-barrel. These
people are essentially lazy, gross, worthless, and animal-like. Note the
large lower-face (without the strong jaw), and the small upper head.
Note the broad nose, and general lazy expression.
[Illustration: FIG. 17 INVERTED EGG-SHAPED FACE]
In Figs. 18 and 19, respectively, we see the contrast between Broad and
Narrow Faces. The rule is that Broad Faces indicate fight,
destructiveness, and acquisitiveness--the Selfish Faculties, in fact;
while Narrow Faces indicate a lack of these qualities. The broad-headed
animals are the fighters, while the narrow-heads are the timid and
peaceful, as a rule. The same principle applies in the case of men. Look
over the charts of the Qualities, and see why this is.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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