Letters: Human Behavior

Dear friend,

Some years back, I became interested in human psychology, specifically in what made people behave in ways I saw as irrational, stupid, and cynical. Being a very observant person, I naturally tend to pick up cues from almost everything around me; I was, in fact, practicing psychology before I even knew what it was.

But then, my interest in it deepened when in JSS3, I was opportune to read the book, ‘Why You Act the Way You Do by Tim LaHaye’

Through that book, I got to know what are called the four temperaments: the sanguine, choleric, melancholy, and the phlegmatic. Prior to then, all I knew about human behavior and personality was just introverts and extroverts, a term that’s currently being jabbed around anyhow these days.

In case you are not yet aware, to EFFECTIVELY function as a human being on this earth, you NEED to understand human behavior. You need to know what ticks people. You need to be able to effectively ‘manipulate’ your way and get what you want from people without looking helpless like a beggar. Even beggars nowadays understand human psychology and use it to their advantage.

More importantly, you need to see through and shield yourself against people's schemes. It is a two-way thing.

You need to understand that you are constantly at war, and knowledge of human psychology will be tremendously helpful to you.

• The sanguine: this personality type is talkative, free, and down-to-earth. They care less and think less. You can easily spot them once they are in a room by their vibrancy. It’s not uncommon for them to make lots of acquaintances. All they ever want to do is TALK, even when it's often rubbish. They are represented by the color Yellow and the element, Air. (more on that later) You should know by now that they are extroverts, at the core.

• The choleric: this hostile, quick, and dominating free human being cares less about what you think. To them, just get MOVING. They flare up at the slightest chance and make you question your existence if you are not careful. They can be excellent active manipulators and can bully you into doing what they want. You know, the bossy type. Represented by the fiery color Red and the fiery element of Fire.

• The melancholy: this subtly crazy personality isn’t much interested in you, as there is much going on beneath the surface. Here comes the unconventional ‘I-need-facts’ type of person who won’t make you question your existence but your intelligence. It’s not rare if he becomes a misfit, as he’s constantly logical. Questioning and criticizing everything. This smells to me. The oceanic color blue and the element Water.

• The phlegmatic: a cool and easy-going dude who will do everything in his power to avoid problems until you prove to be a madman that loves ‘vawulence’. Not much goes on with this introvert, who will go an extra length to look out for your well-being, but you must be on the lookout; they can cause issues for you passively. The color green is represented by the earthly symbol.

Why am I telling you this?

Life is a game; to ace this game, you have to understand the individual components. The human players. Understand what makes people tick, so you can become advantaged.

While some people have variations of these temperaments, others are purely one; regardless, seek to understand human behavior.

Additionally, I want you to understand yourself better and what works for you.

Imagine advising a Red choleric to think before acting; you may be wasting your time. He is red and doesn't listen to such. What of Yellows that their middle name is 'I WANT TO TALK.'

As a yellow, you can perhaps understand why your mouth is faster than the rest of your body.  The personality of a Yellow does not understand what 'STFU' means. He just wants to talk!

In my birthday gift, I wrote about something similar under the chapter, KNOW THYSELF -- Get the book here: https://selar.com/14lml2

Love and light! 

Rooting for you, and I trust you too are rooting for me.

Best Regards,

Joseph Chisom Ofonagoro.

Till I write next, Goodbye!