2. SELF-ESTEEM.
This organ produces the feeling of individual personality, or of personal identity. It causes the feelings of self-love, self-respect, self-complacency. It imparts to the individual a high opinion of himself, and of every thing pertaining or belonging to himself. The most insignificant object, when in the possession of an individual with this feeling strong, assumes a value and an importance, in his own estimation, which nothing could have given it before. To such a person, the idea of self is perpetually before him. Let an idea be suggested, and his first consideration will be as to how it will affect his own condition. It gives a cold and repulsive appearance to the individual, and renders him particularly obnoxious to others having the same organization. It renders one averse to submission, and gives an inclination to assume the lead. When properly regulated, it adds dignity to the whole demeanour, and gives a nobleness to the character which effectually prevents any action of meanness or servility.
Predominant.—With this organ predominant, an individual will be proud, haughty and supercilious. Whatever he possesses, he considers superior to that belonging to any one else. In his judgment and actions he scorns all advice, and looks down with contempt on his fellow-men. He admits no dictation. He never submits to advice, but assumes the lead on all occasions. Any thing like familiarity revolts him. His whole appearance indicates assurance and presumption. When excited, he is disposed to go to the greatest extremes. “He will have many enemies, and will be regardless of the frown or the favour of men; intractable, domineering, repulsive, conceited, jealous, austere, he considers himself nearly infallible.”
Large.—With this organ large, the individual is endowed with that degree of self-complacency which enables him to apply his powers to the best advantage, in every situation in which he may be placed. With Combativeness and Firmness large, and Destructiveness moderate, he is eminently qualified to sustain himself in any situation in which he may be placed. With this organization, he will be bold, energetic, persevering, and surpassingly independent. No difficulties will appal him, and no force of circumstances of an ordinary character, will deter him from the prosecution of his designs. With large Conscientiousness, he will be honourable and high-minded in the extreme. With large Conscientiousness, Veneration, Ideality, Benevolence and Causality, he will rather suffer death than commit a dishonourable action. If Conscientiousness, Benevolence and Veneration are deficient, he will be dogmatic, imperious and haughty, and will be constantly striving for power, which, when obtained, he invariably abuses. If an author, with Ideality, Language and Comparison large, he will write in a sustained and lofty style, never descending to a common-place expression. If his Domestic Feelings are large, with Combativeness and Destructiveness large, he will be tenderly attached to his family, and take great pride and interest in them, yet will require from them implicit obedience. With Cautiousness and Causality large, he will be induced to seek advice, but only for the purpose of enabling him to form his own opinion. With Cautiousness large, he will often appear disconcerted and diffident, in consequence of his anxiety about matters likely to affect him. With Firmness, Secretiveness and Imitation large, a person will never act in a subordinate station. Let his situation in life be what it may, he will always be a leader.
Moderate.—With Self-esteem moderate, and with a favourable developement of other organs, one will have sufficient self-respect for the ordinary occupations of life, but he will never be able to put himself forward in any great undertaking, or to command that general influence and esteem as he would do with a larger developement of this organ. With Cautiousness, Love of Approbation and Veneration large, he will be humble, timid and abashed in the presence of superiors or strangers. He will lack the requisite independence to vindicate his own opinion, and will be too ready to give way to that of others. With this organization, and large Intellect, he may possess great abilities, but for want of self-confidence requisite to enable him to make his way through opposition, he will be much underrated. It will give him pain to be obliged to trespass on the attention of others, and he will suffer greatly from a feeling of unworthiness. With small Cautiousness, Firmness, Combativeness and Destructiveness, he will be enterprising and persevering, yet will lack that force of character requisite for important undertakings. With large Veneration, Conscientiousness and Intellect, he will be respectful towards others, and will not be deficient in respect for himself.
Small.—With Self-esteem small, one will be humble and submissive. No matter how exalted may be the character of his intellect, a feeling of unworthiness will accompany all his actions. He will ever associate with inferiors. His language will be trifling and common-place. Let his talents be what they may, he will never rise from an inferior station.