We like to classify people and would also like to know more about ourselves. One of the classifications of personality types comes from the anthropological angle. In this article more about the 4 personality types: choleric, melancholic, sanguine and phlegmatic.
Anthroposophy?
Anthroposophy is a philosophy developed by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). In this philosophy, people (in development) are central. He practically applied his philosophy in the schools he commissioned to establish in Germany (Freie Waldorfschule or the Steiner schools). Following his philosophy, other initiatives have also been developed worldwide, such as retirement homes.
Personality types
Anthroposophy uses 4 basic personality types. In addition to these basic types, mixed types are also possible. The basic types are often associated with the 4 elements (water, air, fire and earth). The classification is based on Hippocrates’ classification. According to Hippocrates, personality was influenced by certain bodily fluids: for example, if you had too much mucus (phlegm), he said you were phlegmatic.
The basic types are:
- choleric (fire element)
- sanguine (air element)
- melancholic (element earth)
- phlegmatic (water element)
Choleric
The name choleric comes from the Greek word chole, which means yellow bile. Choleric people are initiators. These are people who can convince others. They live full of fire and quickly stand out in a crowd. You will find them most often in managerial positions or in a profession where they can speak highly (e.g. PR). Sitting still is not for choleric characters. In their spare time they prefer to devote themselves to higher ideals, whether or not spiritually oriented. When they are out of balance , the fire within them can almost literally consume them. This manifests itself in aggression against others or oneself. The fire can also go out due to lack of stimulation: they then become inactive more quickly. Ideal partners are gentle characters.
Sanguine
The name sanguine comes from the Greek word sanguis which means blood. Sanguine people are dreamy types who live cheerfully. They love exercise and are very creative. They are also very social. Their optimism and zest for life are often envied by others. You often find them in professions where creativity, variety and challenge are central (e.g. journalist). When out of balance, they can become more ,volatile,. They sometimes lose sight of reality and fall behind vague ideals. Lack of perseverance can then cause them to jump from one project to another without working out anything concrete. With a lack of stimulation they can also become ,stuck,. This is characterized by a negative outlook on life, immobility and the pursuit of material values. Ideal partners are calming characters.
Melancholic
The name melancholic comes from the Greek word melanchole, which means black bile. Melancholic people like structure and order. They are hard workers who like to bring order to chaos. Material possessions and deep relationships are very important. You often find them in professions where a good memory and organizational talent are useful (e.g. accountants). Their hunger for facts and figures can also be satisfied in a job that focuses on systematic research (e.g.: scientist). When they are out of balance, they can rust. They then cling, as it were, to values, persons and material objects. This manifests itself, for example, in a collecting frenzy. In the absence of structure, they can become ,volatile, and, as it were, float through life. Ideal partners are high-spirited characters.
Phlegmatic
The name phlegmatic comes from the Greek word phlegm, which means phlegm. Phlegmatic people are sensitive dreamers. They are very social and enjoy listening to others. Relationships are very important for phlegmatic people and they like peace in their lives. You often find them in professions where helping people and social contacts are central (e.g.: therapist). When they are out of balance, they can become incoherent. They then lose sight of reality and often change their minds. This way they can start a project enthusiastically only to abandon it later. In the absence of rest, they can also ,dry up,, so to speak: they lose their dreaminess and become hard and realistic to pesimistic. Their restlessness is soon noticeable. Ideal partners are fiery characters.
Finally
Personality classifications are only useful for understanding others and oneself. They are not intended to pigeonhole and limit others and themselves. To understand yourself better, it is best to ask for professional help. This gives you a comprehensive analysis of your personality.