Personality Types
Temperaments
The theory of humors proposed by Hippocrates, was supported and disseminated by the doctor, surgeon and philosopher Galen of Pergamum, resulting in the following types of temperaments:
1- Sanguine: These people are characterized by their happiness and optimism and by always needing the company of others; They are sociable by nature. They support their decisions on their feelings, rather than on their reasoning.
They are easily influenced and generally accept arguments without worrying about some kind of confirmation; They are guided by immediate pleasure, which shows their undisciplined behavior. This behavior leads them to leave tasks unfinished.
2- Phlegmatic: The phlegmatic temperament directs the individual towards a serene, calm behavior and a way of approaching the goals, in a persevering way and based on rationality.
Phlegmatists highly value accuracy, both in ideas and actions; They rarely get angry and don't show their emotions too much, coming to seem somewhat cold. These individuals avoid taking leadership in any field. They’re deep thinkers, fair and calm.
3- Choleric: People with this temperament are energetic, proactive, and independent. They like to be busy with a project and they defend their opinions vehemently.
The temperamental fire makes these people trust their own judgment and are not afraid to confront others; they are leaders by nature.
4- Melancholic: People with a melancholic temperament are characterized by being sensitive, creative, introverted, self-sacrificing, and perfectionists. These individuals require concentration and effort to perform their tasks, although these sacrifices are done with pleasure and without laziness. They think for some time, before facing a new project, trying to minimize risks, based on their perfectionist spirit.
Their mood is variable and they are inclined to sadness.
Hippocrates of Kos
Bust of Hippocrates in the Pushkin Museum (Moscow)
Hippocrates of Kos was a physician from Ancient Greece, who lived between 460 BC. and 370 B.C. and from whom it is said that he learned medicine from his father and his grandfather; he also studied philosophy.
Claudius Galenus of Pergamum
Galen - Lithography by Pierre Roche Vigneron
Galen was a Greek physician, surgeon, and philosopher and lived between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. and he is considered one of the most complete medical researchers of the Ancient Age; Galen ventured into fields such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and neurology, as well as philosophy and logic.