Choleric Temperament:

Aspirations and Abilities

Among the four personalities, the choleric temperament* can claim the most memorable leaders and determined saints. The choleric individual, if he has mastered his passions, is worthy of the utmost confidence and admiration by others. Carefully nurtured and trained, he is capable of changing the world.

Famous people: St. Paul, St. Ignatius, Julius Caesar, Adolf Hitler, Alexander the Great

This temperament is identified by (1) quick, vehement reactions to stimulus (2) these reactions are deep and enduring. He is excited by every influence and the impression remains a long time.

Positive Qualities:

• Aspirations to the highest in both the temporal and spiritual realms--He has heroic, noble ambitions. He ardently wants success at the top levels...influential, distinguished position, impressive house, unparalleled power. In the matters of faith, too, the choleric is filled with fire to serve God and his fellow man. He is consumed with the desire for holiness; he is capable of tremendous sacrifice.

  The little or vulgar is an anathema.

  Outstanding goals are actually realistic for many who possess the choleric temperament. For this individual has numerous talents including the following:

• Great energy, activity and enthusiasm--He is prone to action rather than thought. He enjoys work which he completes with diligence, timeliness and sureness .

• Keen intellect--He is intelligent. Definitely, he is a man (or woman) of reason.

• Strong, resolute will--Once he sets his mind to something, nothing will stand in his way. He is not afraid of hard work or difficulties. If anything, problems rejuvenate and enflame his determination. He perseveres through all to reach his goal. Despondency and depression are not in his vocabulary. His only path is onward and upward.

  Fr. Conrad Hock writes in The 4 Temperaments, "Hamilcar of Carthage in North Africa took his son Hannibal to the altar of their god and made him swear eternal hatred of Rome, their implacable enemy. Later, Hannibal assembled a complete army and elephants and led them through Spain, over the Pyrenees, through Southern France and over the Alps into Italy, a feat never equaled before or after, and came very close to conquering and destroying Rome."

• Constancy--He is firm in mind and purpose. Steady in affections, the choleric is loyal, faithful and--rarity of rarities--can keep a secret!

• Magnanimity--This nature can rise above pettiness or meanness. He is high-souled.

• Liberality--He can be broad-minded and generous.

This temperament is ideally suited for administration and government.

This individual is endowed with heroic desires and the high intelligence, diverse talents and personal characteristics needed to achieve them. With consistent training and care, a youth with the choleric temperament can become an admirable leader and responsible friend.

*Please keep in mind that there is no pure temperament, that there is a tendency toward certain behaviors, and that nurture, of course, has an impact on nature.

The Four Temperaments

The Choleric: Weaknesses

The Choleric: Suggestions for Rearing

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