The Phlegmatic

The Phlegmatic: Hippocrates linked the Phlegmatic with phlegm, a body fluid that is thick, slow-moving and almost stagnant in nature. To the observer, the Phlegmatic’s are extremely slow-paced and stubborn. The Phlegmatic goes through life doing as little as possible, quietly, and expending little energy. It is not clear whether the Phlegmatic has very little energy, or it is because they refuse to use what little energy they do have. They are task oriented with a great capacity for work that requires precision and accuracy and expends a minimal amount of energy. Only sleep can regenerate a Phlegmatic in Inclusion.

The world may never know all the brilliant thoughts, great books, spectacular works of art, or wonderful ministries that have been buried with the Phlegmatic. They seldom, if ever, use these ideas and talents because it would require expending to much energy and effort, to put these ideas into action. The Phlegmatic sits back and watches other temperaments busy doing things wrongly and looking at all the things in te world that need to be changed. Identifying the injustice is not difficult for the Phlegmatic in Inclusion; however, they will seldom, if ever, initiate action against injustice. They will try to inspire others to do something, but are not likely to personally get involved themselves.

The Phlegmatic is the only temperament the Choleric is unable to control (which frustrates the Choleric tremendously). The Phlegmatic is the most stable temperament. The Phlegmatic is the most stubborn of all the temperaments when it comes to making changes. Because of their tendency to uninvolvement, they are natural negotiators and diplomats. “Peace at all costs” is their motto. The Phlegmatic has no fear of rejection and can handle unaffectionate and hostile people. They are calm, easygoing people who are not plagued with the emotional outbursts, exaggerated feelings, anger, bitterness or unforgiveness as are other temperaments. They are observers who do not get involved nor expend much energy. Their cool, complacent attitude an hurt people that love them. The way they observe can cause them to never to give of themselves and, therefore, never receive either.

The phlegmatic temperament is fundamentally relaxed and quiet, ranging from warmly attentive to lazily sluggish. Phlegmatics tend to be content with themselves and are kind. They are accepting and affectionate. They may be receptive and shy and often prefer stability to uncertainty and change. They are consistent, relaxed, calm, rational, curious, and observant, qualities that make them good administrators. They can also be passive-aggressive.

They want to know other people's deepest feelings and strive to build intimate attachments with about everyone in their lives. They are interested in cooperation and interpersonal harmony, this is why they preserve their family ties and friendships. When there is a conflict, they seek to agree, to satisfy the needs of everyone involved.

Phlegmatics are characterized by the element of Water, the season of Winter, old-aged adulthood, the colors white and green, the Moon, and the characteristics of "Cold" and "Wet." Animals used to symbolize the Phlegmatic include the lamb and turtle. To ehnance your Phlegmatic tendencies, listen to music in the Hypodorian Mode; to diminish those tendencies, listen to music in the Dorian mode.

If you were living in the Age of Faith, the career choice for you would be a copier of manuscripts or a night watchman.




From "The Four Temperaments," by Rev. Conrad Hock:

The Phlegmatic::

Is deliberative; slow in making decisions; perhaps overcautious in minor matters.
Is indifferent to external affairs.
Is reserved and distant.
Is slow in movement.
Has a marked tendency to persevere.
Exhibits a constancy of mood.


The soul or mind of the phlegmatic person is only weakly or not at all touched by impressions. The reaction is feeble or entirely missing. Eventual impressions fade away very soon.


II FUNDAMENTAL DISPOSITION OF THE PHLEGMATIC PERSON

1. He has very little interest in whatever goes on about him.

2. He has little inclination to work, but prefers repose and leisure. With him everything proceeds and develops slowly.


III BRIGHT SIDE OF THE PHLEGMATIC TEMPERAMENT

1. The phlegmatic works slowly, but perseveringly, if his work does not require much thinking.

2. He is not easily exasperated either by offenses, or by failures or sufferings. He remains composed, thoughtful, deliberate, and has a cold, sober, and practical judgment.

3. He has no intense passions and does not demand much of life.


IV DARK SIDE OF THE PHLEGMATIC TEMPERAMENT

1. He is very much inclined to ease, to eating and drinking; is lazy and neglects his duties.

2. He has no ambition, and does not aspire to lofty things, not even in his piety.