3. SECRETIVENESS.
This organ gives the desire and the talents for concealment. In its abuse, it renders its possessor averse to, and almost incapable of, an open-hearted expression. His remarks are sly, evasive and ambiguous. His actions, he considers, are beyond the reach of human sagacity. It is the foundation of all hypocrisy, deception and intrigue.
Predominant.—One in whom Secretiveness predominates, will be sly, conniving and hypocritical. It will be difficult for him to relate the simplest incident without evasion. If he has an end to bring about, he will seek to do it by some manœuvre, even when an open course would be more effective. The most trifling actions of his life will be brought about by stratagem. He looks upon others as being actuated by the same motives as himself, and is constantly suspicious and watchful. He will possess great tact, and be readily enabled to discover the motives of others. In conversation, he is apt to hesitate and recommence his sentences, and to answer in an ambiguous manner.
Large.—With Secretiveness, Self-esteem and Conscientiousness large, an individual will detest hypocrisy and duplicity, yet will be exceedingly prudent and circumspect in his conversation and conduct. He will be slow to make acquaintances, and will require a long time ere he becomes intimate with them. With Love of Approbation large, he will be deferential and polite, and will possess a superior tact at making himself agreeable. With Comparison and Individuality large, he will possess a good knowledge of human nature, will be well qualified to detect intrigue, and of frustrating any designs upon himself. If Self-esteem, Firmness and Secretiveness are large, he will endure pain with the most heroic fortitude and forbearance. If Conscientiousness be moderate, he will be very suspicious towards others, and will be perpetually on his guard. If Destructiveness and Self-esteem are large, he will be easily made angry, but with Cautiousness and Firmness large, will restrain his feelings even when highly excited. With Conscientiousness and Cautiousness large, it will be exceedingly difficult for him to form an opinion. With Adhesiveness moderate, and Imitation large, he will be liable to be very friendly to one’s face, and abuse him in his absence. With Self-esteem and Firmness large, will seldom yield to an opponent, but will very often deceive him by appearing to have yielded.
Moderate.—With Secretiveness moderate, and Self-esteem large, one will be frank, candid and open-hearted in his ordinary intercourse with society, yet will be capable, when necessity requires it, of intrigue and duplicity. He will be frank, open and sincere to acquaintances, yet will manifest much reserve to strangers. His ordinary conversation will be discreet, yet, when excited, he will express his sentiments regardless of consequences; this is more particularly true when Cautiousness is small. He will then be distinguished for contrariety of feeling, being prudent and circumspect at one time, and open, blunt and offending at another. Conscientiousness being small, adds much to the strength of Secretiveness. He will then use deception and intrigue whenever they answer his purpose. If Self-esteem, Combativeness and Destructiveness are large, he will be very blunt and decided, when nothing is to be gained by an opposite course, and will express his sentiments without scruple.
Small.—With Secretiveness small, one is frank, candid and open-hearted. He will freely relate even to comparative strangers all his foibles and weaknesses, as well as his virtues and merits. He expresses his hatred and dislikes without fear or favour. Strangers will suppose his anger or displeasure to be greater than it really is. With Destructiveness and Self-esteem large, he will get angry readily, but if Concentrativeness is small, will soon recover his temper. He will be often imposed upon in consequence of his relying too much on others. If Love of Approbation and Benevolence are small, his demeanour will be usually gruff and impolite. He will have great aversion to outside show, will use plain and blunt expressions, and be fond of forcible language.