A Catholics Guide to the 4 Temperaments: Which One Are You?

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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

A Catholics Guide to the 4

Temperaments: Which One Are
You?
July 20, 2016 By Genevieve Cunningham 3 Comments
One of my favorite conversation starterswhether I am with new friends or old
onesis to ask them whether they have heard of the four temperaments, and if
they know which one they are. Sometimes it surprises me how many people

discerning with a

have not heard of them. Others say they are vaguely familiar with the concept,

cloistered order of nuns

but need to be refreshed as to what the definition of each temperament is.

before coming to work

for The Catholic

Why should the four temperaments be important to a Catholic? Arent they

Company. Originally

a purely secular and material way ofunderstanding the human person?

from Pennsylvania, she

now lives in North
Carolina, where she
writes and edits content
for web, blog, products,
and emails.

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.

Read More from

Genevieve

The temperaments have been analyzed by medieval theologians and spiritual

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.

What Exactly is a Temperament?

It might be best to start by clarifying what a temperament is not:

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

And temperament isdistinct from personality. While personality refers to the

entirety of a persons behavior, emotions, and thought patterns, a
temperament more specifically refers to our natural preferences and
tendencies; especially, it refers to how we react to things.

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.

Each temperament has particular strengths and weaknesses. But the

strengths can deepen, and the weaknesses can recede, all according
to Gods grace in us. Even so, our temperament itself will not change; it is
something that is deeply a part of who we are, so temperaments dont
change with the years.

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?)

Definition of the Four Temperaments

Here is a simplified, concise breakdown of each temperament. There is much
more than that can be said about each one, so if you want richer detail, you can
read something like The Temperament God Gave You for a more complete
definition.

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.

Melancholies usually have a high degree of perfectionistic tendencies

especially in regards to their own lives or performance. They are very
introspective and hold themselves to a very high standardone that can
rarely be achieved.[Reydon Stanford Counseling Studies]

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.

People of this temperament may appear somewhat ponderous or clumsy.

Their speech tends to be slow or appear hesitant. [Wikipedia]

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:

An exaggerated way of understanding the four temperaments is to

consider four people who see a star fall to earth. The Sanguine talks
about it animatedly to all present; the Choleric wants to form an
expedition to find it and analyze it; the Melancholic ponders what it
means and how he feels about it; and the Phlegmatic waits for the
others to decide what to do as whatever decision they make is fine
by him.

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.

Which Is Your Temperament? Take a Quiz

and Find Out
You want to know your temperament, right? Take this great quiz to find out
which one you have. Your result will come with an explanation of your
temperament type from a classical, medieval Catholic perspective. It even has
advice for your interior life!

Why Are the Temperaments Important to a

Catholic?
Alright. So lets say you know which temperament you are. That still brings us
back to a question we asked earlier: why is this important to a Catholic?

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!

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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.

Another reason why understanding the temperaments is important is

because your temperament has a crucial place in your spiritual life.It can
greatly affect your growth as you seek to draw closer to the Heart of Christ. This
kind of self-knowledge will help you to know where your strengths are as well as
your weaknesses; it gives you more accurate self-knowledge.

The Virtues and Vices of the Four

Temperaments
According to which temperament we have, there are certain sins we will tend to
commit, and certain given virtues that will give us strength in seeking God.

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

may struggle withbeing critical, moody, and despondent. He will need

Gods grace to cultivate joyful acceptance, selflessness, and hope.

usually is compassionate, long-suffering, pious and contemplative.

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A Catholics Guide to the 4 Temperaments: Which One Are You? | Get Fed | A Catholic Blog to Feed Your Faith

Saint Therese is believed to have had a melancholic temperament

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.

usually is cheerful, generous, sincere, and sensitive to the suffering of

others.

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.

usually is tranquil, full of common sense, assiduous, and almost immune to

anger.

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.

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A Catholics Guide to the 4 Temperaments: Which One Are You? | Get Fed | A Catholic Blog to Feed Your Faith

Jesus Christ, the God-Man, the Perfecter of Human Nature

What Saint Shares Your Temperament?

Renowned philosopher and author Dr. Peter Kreeft points out that evil is what is
unoriginal, predictable, and repeatable. Whats the difference between Hitler
and Attila the Hun? he says. A mustache and a German accent. It is the
saints, he says, who are wonderfully unique.

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 Choleric saints:Saint Paul, Saint Jerome, and Saint Francis de

Sales

Some Melancholic saints:Saint John the Apostle, Saint Therese of

Lisieux, and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Some Sanguine saints:Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Francis Xavier

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?

Is there a saint whom you closely identify with in this regard?

Let us know in the comments below!

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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
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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.

Genevieve Cunningham says

July 21, 2016 at 8:50 am
Hello, Amanda! (I too am especially drawn to the Little Flower, by
the way!) Your friend doesnt have to be surprised that the saints
she loves have a temperament that is different from hers.
Actually, it makes perfect sense! Often we are attracted to people
who have virtues that we are lacking but want to grow in. She
needs to go right on being devoted to those saintshow can we
not love all the saints, right?! They are so wonderful! My
suggestion on looking to a saint who has the same temperament
is simply an encouragement to not feel bad about the personal
challenges we have, but to see that someone else had the same
challengesand they are not an obstacle to holiness! God bless
you and yours.

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