What now follows is a short and sweet summary of each of the four temperaments, also known as the four personality types. Since ancient times great philosophers have noticed at least four different types of person.

I have collated this knowledge in just a few bullet points below for each temperament.

Enjoy…

GUARDIANS — Epimethean; Phlegmatic; Conservative

• Communication: concrete
• Realizing goals: cooperative
• Expertise: logistics
• Basic desires: to be responsible; to know their obligations; to do their duty; to be part of organizations
• Basic fears: change for the sake of change; irresponsible risk-taking
• Common traits: organized; reliable; punctual and helpful
• Work ethic: a means to an end for accumulating measured “security”
• Time: fatalistic about the past; stoical about the present; pessimistic about the future;
• Distribution: approximately less than 45% of the general population.

The Guardians, represented in Greek mythology by Epimetheus, a Titan, husband of Pandora, who together with his brother Prometheus took part in the creation of the human race.

Out of the four temperaments they are usually phlegmatic in nature, that is, cool and collected and also support traditional values maintaining society’s institutions and organizations. You most likely work for or know a person with the Guardian temperament.

ARTISANS — Dionysian; Sanguine; Liberal

• Communication: concrete
• Realizing goals: utilitarian
• Expertise: tactical variation
• Basic desires: to be free to act; to make an impact
• Basic fears: boredom; arduous rules and regulations; organization
• Common traits: spontaneous; hedonistic and adaptable
• Work ethic: a means to an end for accumulating impetuous “freedom”
• Time: cynical about the past; hedonistic about the present; optimistic about the future;
• Distribution: approximately less than 35% of the general population

The Artisans, represented in Greek mythology by Dionysus, god of wine and revelry. Usually sanguine in nature, that is, cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident. Also sharing a Liberal political stance favoring reform and progress with as much individual “freedom” as possible.

Of all the four temperaments Artisans essentially make and build things and provide values of socialistic “freedom” and fun. You most likely know or work for someone of the Artisan temperament.

IDEALISTS — Apollonian; Choleric; Authoritarian

• Communication: abstract
• Realizing goals: cooperative
• Expertise: diplomatic integration
• Basic desires: to find meaning and significance in their lives; to seek deep and meaningful relationships;
• Basic fears: discord; violence
• Common traits: insightful; passionate; dramatic
• Work ethic: a means to an end for developing their identity
• Time: mystical about the past; unmoved about the present; credulous about the future;
• Distribution: approximately less than 12% of the general population

The Idealists, represented in Greek mythology by Apollo, characterized by clarity, harmony, and restraint. Usually choleric in nature, that is, easily irritated or touchy.

Of all the four temperaments Idealists usually have an Authoritarian political stance due to their expertise of diplomatic integration. Your religious or spiritual leader is most likely of the Idealist temperament.

RATIONALISTS — Promethean; Melancholic; Libertarian

• Communication: abstract
• Realizing goals: utilitarian
• Expertise: strategic analysis
• Basic desires: to be competent; to accumulate knowledge
• Basic fears: alleged authorities; risk of humiliation
• Common traits: pragmatic; skeptical and logical
• Work ethic: a means to an end for developing their intellect
• Time: solipsist about the past; pragmatic about the present; sceptical about the future;
• Distribution: approximately less than 8% of the general population

The Rationalists, represented in Greek mythology by Prometheus and are said to be boldly creative and/or defiantly original. Usually melancholic by nature, that is, of a sad or depressed disposition.

Of all the four temperaments Rationalists usually have a Libertarian political stance and would advocate the doctrine of free-will and thought. Entrepreneurial business men and women are most likely of the Rationalist temperament.

And that ends our look at the four temperaments. So if you ever wondered what kind of people would be useful to have on a team in say a new start up company then you’ve found the solution. Of course we need “business brains” and “business doers”.

Can you guess which of the four temperaments would be useful for this scenario?

Yes, perhaps a mix of Rationalists coupled with Guardians and Artisans and perhaps the odd Idealist to take care of spiritual matters. As you’ve probably realized by now it takes a little bit of each of the four temperaments to succeed in business and life.

To conclude I always look at the four temperaments as the four areas of life a person must appreciate if they want to get things done. For example, I know I need to act more like an Artisan if I wish to get quicker results on impulse rather than remain like a very good Rationalist thinker.