Four temperaments is a proto-psychological interpretation of the ancient medical concept of humorism and suggests that four bodily fluids affect human personality traits and behaviors. The temperaments are sanguine (pleasure-seeking and sociable), choleric (ambitious and leader-like), melancholic (introverted and thoughtful), and phlegmatic (relaxed and quiet).
The Greek physician Hippocrates (460–370 BC) incorporated the four temperaments into his medical theories. From then through modern times, they, or modifications of them, have been part of many theories of medicine, psychology and literature.
Read more about Four Temperaments: History and Development, The Four Temperament Types, Decline in Popularity, Modern Adaptations
Famous quotes containing the word temperaments:
“Those with certain temperaments find no way to endure themselves except by striving towards going under.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)