The Choleric:

Understand the Negatives

The person with the choleric* temperament usually a has tremendous potential for high accomplishments. But in order to achieve these, he must carefully cultivate the positive elements of his personality and ruthlessly weed out the negatives.

Parents, of course, play a pivotal role in this. It is important to be aware of the drawbacks so that they can guide their youngster in overcoming them. Click here to review all the typical positive traits.

"Thus I want it, thus I command it; my will is sufficient reason." This motto often seems to be the mindset of many persons with the choleric temperament.

Some of the tendencies are:

• Pride--This manifests itself in a variety of ways.

  He is impatient with any obstacle.

  He is self-confident and full of himself. Positive that he is extraordinary and above the rest of humanity, he justifies any wrongs he may have committed.

  Sure that he can do anything better than anyone else, he rarely asks for help even when he really needs it. God's assistance is even included among the aids he doesn't need. Without guidance and gentle correction, this could be very dangerous to his spiritual life.

  The choleric is stubborn and opinionated. He knows he is always right and, thus, tolerates no other opinion and never gives in.

  He can be cold and heartless. He is a man of reason with little sympathy for anyone.

  Given the above, it is logical that he tends to be very domineering.

  His pride also leads him to be very hurt when humiliated. In addition to natural embarrassment, the individual is disgusted with this lower behavior. At times, one may be so wounded that he flees from God Himself rather than face his sins. Practicing humility is extremely difficult. (Though, as exemplified by St. Paul, it is not impossible.)

• Anger--"...a baby referred to as 'cholic' is one who cries frequently and seems to be constantly angry. This is an adaptation of 'Choleric'..." (Answers.com) ...and we all know what those infants are like! Yikes!

  Harsh words, blame and criticism can erupt from the choleric when he is confronted, resisted or challenged. His tone of voice is belittling and extraordinarily hurtful. With arrogance and cruel accusations, he can alienate even those who love him most. In vengeance, he can destroy all that he cherishes and for which he has labored.

• Deceit and Hypocrisy--Even though he hates these vices (remember he is drawn to the noble and high virtue), the individual may resort to them to protect his pride and avoid being wrong. He desires to win at any cost.

  All of us humans have plenty of faults to correct. So it is with those of this temperament. With this personality, training the will--working diligently and relentlessly to become the best he can be--reaps so many riches and rewards both to the choleric himself and all the rest of us.

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  *Please keep in mind that there are few people with pure temperaments, that there is a tendency toward certain behaviors. Nurture, of course, has an impact on nature, and prayer is our most powerful weapon.

  The Cholerics: Positive Characteristics

  The Choleric: Rearing Suggestions

  Other Temperaments

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