Predominant.—With this organ predominant, one may almost be said to be the victim of his kindness, good will and sympathy to others. In his zeal for the welfare of his fellow creatures, he seldom thinks of himself. In society, he restrains all his selfish inclinations, for fear of giving uneasiness to others. He will frequently meditate upon the miseries of mankind, and consider the various means of relieving their wretchedness.
Large.—With Benevolence large, one will be kind, charitable and forgiving. His whole demeanour will indicate goodness of disposition. If Secretiveness is small, he will be especially liable to imposition, as he will be conscious of entertaining no designs against others, and will suspect none against himself. If Adhesiveness is large, and Acquisitiveness small, he will be exceedingly liberal and generous. He will find it difficult to withstand the solicitations of charity, and will be especially alive to the interests of his friends. With Acquisitiveness large, he will be well disposed to charitable objects, but will seldom ever give to them substantial aid. He will be more likely to give his time and advice than money. If, with this combination large, Love of Approbation be added, it will greatly aid the effect of Benevolence. With but moderate Destructiveness, it will be difficult for him to witness suffering or pain; yet, with large Destructiveness, when it is necessary, notwithstanding his general kindness of disposition, can witness and even inflict pain, and take pleasure in it.
Moderate.—With Benevolence moderate, one will be kindly and well disposed towards others, yet, except on extraordinary occasions, will not make many sacrifices to their good. If Acquisitiveness and the Selfish Feelings generally are large, he will be avaricious and selfish to the last degree, and yet not be absolutely insensible to the claims of the unfortunate. If Love of Approbation is large, he may often give to charitable purposes, but it will be more for the sake of having his acts the subject of conversation than out of good will to the object. If Self-esteem, Combativeness and Destructiveness are large, he will be harsh, cruel and severe, and will be apparently utterly regardless of the feelings of his fellow men.
Small.—With Benevolence but small, one will be unfeeling and cruel. If Conscientiousness is large, he will not trespass on the rights of others in any particular, but his whole conduct will exhibit, notwithstanding, a disregard of all the tender amenities of life, and an almost utter absence of sympathy and good feeling.
4. HOPE.
This organ induces the mind to contemplate the future with high anticipations of being able to realize whatever the other feelings desire. It thus causes us to be gay and cheerful, and to preserve the equanimity of our temper amidst difficulties and misfortune. Those who are destitute of it are prone to disobedience. Their ideas of the future are always dark and gloomy.
Predominant.—With Hope predominant, an individual is constantly revelling in the bright prospects of the future. He will be so sanguine of success, that he will neglect the means by which success can be attained. He will be credulous and visionary in all his enterprises and undertakings.
Large.—With Hope large, one always views the future with bright anticipations. If Caution and Causality are large, he will never be carried away by his expectations, but will pursue generally a prudent course, and not allow his hopes to hurry him into imprudent measures. If Combativeness, Firmness, Self-esteem and Ideality are large, he will be bold, speculative and enterprising; and if Caution is small, will be excessively rash, precipitate and imprudent, often attempting undertakings which to the less sanguine appear impossible. With this combination, he will never be cast down or discouraged; the vicissitudes of fortune have no power to repress his energy or restrain his enterprise.
Moderate.—With Hope moderate, one’s expectations will be sanguine, but not immoderately so. If Firmness, Self-esteem, Combativeness and Destructiveness are large, he will attempt important undertakings, and count with much certainty and pleasure their chances of success. If Cautiousness is large, he will despond much more than hope, will never attempt enterprises, unless their chances of success are almost certain; will expect too little, rather than too much, and will not be sanguine or cheerful.
Small.—With Hope small, a person will be constantly low spirited and melancholy. The brightest prospects can hardly excite his spirits. He will dwell perpetually upon the dark side of appearances, and will want enterprise and spirit.