The Melancholic Temperament

Yours is a thoughtful, sensitive, artistic temperament, with noble aspirations.

"To be, or not to be: that is the question.” In this famous soliloquy, Hamlet reveals his melancholic
nature: thoughtful, introspective, slow to act, deeply sensitive with noble ideals. To the ancient
Greeks, melancholics were the earth: heavy, deep, difficult to penetrate. If you are a melancholic,
you are very likely artistic, romantic, and attentive to detail. Quiet and introverted (except with
very close friends and family) you will need to recharge your batteries by spending time alone. In
fact, you probably enjoy time alone more than most--whether it is a solitary stroll in the woods,
reading a book, writing or other artistic endeavor, prayer. You ponder the deep questions and focus
your aspirations on lofty ideals.

You may worry about the past, have anxiety about the future, and struggle with perfectionism and
self-criticism. Your high ideals and fear of making mistakes might cause you to hesitate before
taking on projects. You might say “no” when someone asks you to do something new, but once you
have begun a project, you will persevere to the end, and you will do it well! You prefer having a few,
very good friends, rather than knowing a lot of people superficially. You may long for a deep soul-
mate, but you are cautious when it comes to opening up to people. Some may consider you aloof,
but you simply need time to warm up.

Time alone is vital. In relationships, you may be slow to initiate, cautious and pessimistic--yet,
once committed, they are unwaveringly loyal and self-sacrificing. On the job, you are careful, abide
by the rules, and attentive to detail; many artists, musicians, designers, therapists, priests,
accountants, and actors are melancholic. You are frugal, a wise shopper, and you are classic in
dress.

The Melancholic / Choleric

You are a visionary with the capacity to achieve your goals.

You are motivated by noble ideals and you have a strong will that drives you to accomplish your
goals. However, you do not make decisions quickly or impulsively. Rather, you take a your time
discerning and beginning new projects. You are not satisfied with tasks set by others, but prefer to
follow your own creative and unique path. You gain energy by time spent alone, whether it is
reading, walking in nature, visiting a museum, or time spent in reflection. You have a capacity for
being alone without becoming bored and probably prefer working alone. You may be an editor,
writer, artist, translator, teacher, principal, or priest. You are highly motivated by noble and
humanitarian ideals. When working on a project, you are organized, ethical, critical, and high-
minded and persevering.

If you are melancholic-choleric, you will place a great emphasis on achieving an ideal; you may set
exacting standards, be critical or judgemental (of yourself as well as others) but very motivated to
persevere. You are capable of founding a humanitarian society, composing a symphony, founding
a school, or discovering a cure. You are organized, perfectionist, introspective, sensitive, and
moody.

Be careful not to indulge in excessive self-criticism and criticism of others, being dismissive or
overly judgmental, exhibiting a tendency to self-absorption, or being untrusting and controlling.
You can be inflexible, bear grudges for a long time and may be prone to discouragement. A
melancholic-choleric who doesn't strive to grow in generosity, thankfulness , and social grace can
become a cross to those around him, through his nit-picking, perfectionism, disdain, resentfulness,
spitefulness when crossed, and even haughtiness.

If your temperament is melancholic-choleric, for a better understanding of your temperament it is

recommended that you read the full descriptions of the melancholic and choleric.

The Melancholic / Phlegmatic

You are sensitive, idealistic, and harmonious. You have high ideals and the perseverance necessary
to accomplish your goals. You are very organized, detailed and conscientious, and prefer to work
cooperatively as a team player. You are a loyal and generous friend. You are thoughtful and careful
when making decisions.

You need alone time to recharge your batteries (intense social actitivies or large groups will stress
you out) and you usually need motivation to get started on new projects. Once you begin, though,
you will persevere to the end. You can be perfectionistic and have some fear about new situations
(fear of what might go wrong). Friends might think you are a little pessimistic--though you would
say "realistic" (and you are probably right). You may be an artist, musician, counselor, scholar,
teacher, actor, writer, or priest.

You might have a tendency to say "no" when you first hear a request. Others may perceive this as
"snobbishness," but it really is the fact that you need to think things through. Unless you are very
comfortable, and are surrounded by understanding long-time friends, you may be slow to warm up
in a social gathering. The tendency to dwell on things for a long time, combined with your
sensitivity toward interpersonal relationships, can result in anxiety, decreased self-esteem or deep
hurts.

You are good at long-range planning, organization, and attention to detail. You can pursue
idealistic goals, with long-term academic requirements, such as attaining a doctorate. You value
your friendships, but you don't need many--just a few really good friends, to whom you are
intensely loyal. You can spend hours in artistic endeavors, gardening, in nature, reading, playing
music.

If your temperament is melancholic-phlegmatic, for a better understanding of your temperament it

is recommended that you read the full descriptions of the melancholic and phlegmatic.