This ancient Greek theory can determine your personality

In the days before psychology, philosophers and scholars frequently hypothesized about the various causes of people’s behavior. While we have modern science to debunk many of the pseudoscientific theories that claim to define human nature now, one theory seems to have stood the test of time, and continued to bask in relevance to this day: the four temperaments.

The four temperaments

One might be familiar with ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates, who invented a very primitive form of medicine called humorism. Humorism posits that one’s health (or lack thereof) is a result of an imbalance of their four humors, each of which can cause an array of symptoms.

Hippocrates’ way of diagnosing these humoral imbalances was to watch his patients, see what they ate, how they slept, analyzing their fluids and taking note of patterns between patients. This contradicted the prominent belief of the time that diseases had supernatural causes. While the humoral nature of this hypothesis was disproved over time, the Hippocratic method of scientific observation persists to this day.

Hippocrates’ student, Galen, used his mentor’s method to apply humoral medicine to human behavior as well as to human health. He believed that the four humors tied closely to personality styles and that people all had different facial structures, body types, health issues and emotional facets dependent upon which humor was more present in their bodies. These humors (blood, yellow bile, phlegm and black bile) also all correspond to elements and individual organs.

Culturally, while the medical portion of humoral theory didn’t seem to stick, the hypothesis around personality types did. From Ivan Pavlov in 1897 to psychology textbooks in 2018, the four temperaments have captured the curiosity of clinicians and persisted in popularity with laymen. Some say that personality tests like the Myers-Briggs or the four temperaments are universally loved because the human brain loves to categorize things in an attempt to understand the world. Others say that these theories still have merit, even if they’re more provable by logic than by scientific data. You can be the judge for yourself.

1. Choleric

These brusque, calculating people have no time for small talk, and sometimes, no time for making friends at all. A choleric person might seem a bit standoffish, but they tend to enjoy hard work, analytical deductions, and meaningful discourses. Some sources describe them as violent and vengeful, but a choleric person would argue that they simply get what they want when they want it.

However, choleric people aren’t all fun and games. Think of what similar sounding work, “colic,” does to a baby — it makes them grumpy, irascible, and impulsive. This is also the temperament of a choleric person, who may have bouts of passionate anger or fervent outbursts.

A choleric boss might berate you for a small mistake, or a choleric co-worker might throw you under the bus at a meeting. Either way, these people are not to be crossed.

2. Melancholic

These days, the word melancholy means sad or is used to describe a depressive person. In some ways, that’s what a melancholic person is – think of someone who’s Byronic, or romantic. Melancholic people are prone to depression and may feel down more than other personality types. But their mellow disposition also has some positive features.

Melancholics love stability, deep relationships, and they tend to avoid adventure or risky decisions. These people don’t like moving, they don’t like getting new jobs or traveling to new places, but they do like getting involved in their communities, volunteering, and meditative, detail-oriented work. While melancholic people are sensitive, you can always come to them with a problem, and they’ll be happy to listen.

3. Sanguine

The word “sanguine” might be a synonym for cheerful, but that’s not all that this personality type has to offer. These adventurous and risky, bubbly people are like Energizer bunnies, hopping from one venture to the next. A sanguine person might be an entertainer, a charismatic business person, or a charming manager. Whatever their job, these people are the life of the party.

A sanguine person’s temperament can cause them to seem a little flaky or unreliable, and their relationships may suffer, as their fight against a boring life drives them away from stable opportunities. Having a sanguine business partner could be risky, and having a sanguine spouse could result in infidelity.

4. Phlegmatic

“Phlegmatic” certainly isn’t a common word, but you probably heard it long ago on your SATs or GREs. These calm, relaxed and composed people supposedly had an excess of phlegm in their bodies, rendering them sluggish, thin, and pale. They are conflict-avoidant mediators, and much like melancholic types, their thoughtful disposition can be helpful when dealing with someone like a choleric person who acts impetuously.

The problem with this personality type is that their conflict-avoidance can result in cowardice or rumination. Their sympathetic, easygoing nature may sometimes be a cover against their complex emotional interior, and they may not have the ability to stand up for themselves when they feel threatened.

The takeaway

While the four temperaments are a facet of a long-forgotten medical theory, they still hold some validity to this day. By identifying which characteristics one has and which personality type they are, you have a set of predictive behaviors to cite when you may be having a conflict with someone at the office or at home. In acknowledging varying personality types other than your own, you can become more empathetic to the emotional reactions of others, and attempt to understand and collaborate with them more effectively.

Additionally, figuring out your own personality type can help you decipher what aspects of yourself can be considered strengths and weaknesses. If you’re having trouble picking out your temperament from this list, this Quizlet can help identify which of your humors might be out of balance – or at least if you’re choleric or melancholic.