REFLECTIVE FACULTIES.
Thisorgan observes the relation of cause and effect, and discriminates between actions and the causes which produce them. It enables an individual to adopt the requisite means to effect any end. It is the active element in every effort of reflection, and is the grand source of thought and originality of mind.
Predominant.—With Causality predominant, an individual will be distinguished for his proneness to thought, and utility to speculate and discuss abstractions. Whatever subject is suggested, or point discussed, he will be liable to enquire for reasons and causes. He will be given much more to reflection than observation.
Large.—With Causality large, one will be enabled readily to perceive the relation between an effect and the cause which produced it. He will be distinguished for gravity and thoughtfulness of mind; and will possess much sagacity, penetration, and originality. With Conscientiousness, Veneration and Marvellousness large, and the selfish propensities moderate or small, he will be much given to moral investigations, and to reading and conversing upon subjects connected with general utility and public morals. With Combativeness large, he will be inclined to argument and disputation. With the Perceptive organs but moderate, he will pay more attention to principles than facts, and will be guided more by reason and experience.
Moderate.—With Causality moderate, and with proper culture, one may possess good judgment and a reasoning turn of mind, but he will be destitute of originality and force of thought. In an occupation or course of life to which he has been accustomed, he will conduct with prudence and propriety, but will be deficient in the necessary power to devise means for extraordinary operations, lay new plans, and to carry into effect important operations. With large Individuality, Imitation and Love of Approbation, and small Self-esteem, he will be destitute of any marked characteristics of his own, and will readily adapt himself to the views and opinions of his companions.
Small.—With Causality small, one will be utterly deficient in originality and force of mind, and will be wanting in that quality of character which renders men calm, judicious, penetrating and discerning. With the propensities and sentiments properly balanced, he will possess discretion, and be enabled to conduct operations to which he has been accustomed.
Theoffice of this organ is to enable us to compare differences, to note resemblances, and to perceive analogies. By it we are enabled to adapt one thing to another so as to produce a harmonious whole. It prompts to the use of figurative language in writing and conversation. Those in whom it is large, trace similitudes and affinities between objects and events which entirely escape the observation of others in whom the organ is small. It prompts to reasoning, but not in the line of necessary consequence. It explains one thing by comparing it with another. It gives ingenuity in discovering unexpected glimpses and superficial coincidences.
Predominant.—With Comparison predominant, one will be enabled to analyze subjects, and to detect inconsistencies with the greatest facility and readiness, and will almost intuitively perceive the misapplication of facts and principles. His expressions will be characterized by great precision and clearness, and his arguments will be explained with a great variety of happy illustrations.
Large.—With Comparison large, one will be strongly given to criticising and analyzing, and will readily detect fallacies and improprieties that would escape the observation of those in whom this organ is small. If Ideality and Individuality are large, his language will abound with elevated metaphors and figures of speech, but if Causality is small, his judgment will be defective. If Secretiveness is small, and Combativeness and Self-esteem large, he will be strongly inclined to criticise every observation he hears, and will thus excite enmity and ill-will. With large Eventuality and Individuality, will have a great taste for the study of natural science, and will be extremely fond of classifying their phenomena, and of comparing the various qualities of physical objects with each. He will likewise be fond of the study of history, and will habitually compare and classify the various transactions with those of similar characteristics. If the Perceptive organs generally are large and Causality small, he will be possessed of good practical talents, but will be devoid of originality of mind. He will be calculated to succeed in a course of life in which he has the example of able men, but he will be utterly unable to deviate from the beaten road and assume the lead for himself.
Moderate.—With Comparison but moderate, one’s powers of analyzation and criticism will not be conspicuous. With an active brain and a favourable intellect generally, he will be enabled to perceive the force of figurative language, and will often indulge in it, but his metaphors will lack force and appropriateness. With Individuality and Eventuality large, will possess a great store of facts, but will be unable to arrange and classify them. If Causality is large, he will readily perceive the errors in an argument, but he will lack the power to point out and apply the exact replication.
Small.—One having Comparison small, will be excessively dull, and will lack discernment and discrimination. The most obvious resemblances can hardly be made manifest to him.