THE APPLICATIVE QUALITIES
The fifth group, known as the Applicative Qualities, is composed of two particular Qualities, known, respectively, as _Firmness_ and _Continuity_. This group manifests in outer form on the centre-line of the head, just above and just below the "crown," at which latter point Self-Esteem is situated (see Fig. 6).
[Illustration: FIG. 6 THE APPLICATIVE QUALITIES]
FIRMNESS. This Quality manifests in a strong tendency toward stability, tenacity, fixedness of purpose, and decision. When very highly developed with the reasoning powers weak it often manifests as stubborness, mulishness, obstinacy, etc. Those in whom it is largely developed display firmness in decision, are "set in their ways," cannot be driven by force or converted by argument when they have once formed an opinion and taken a stand. The "indomitable will" arises from this Quality, in fact this Quality might well be termed the "Will Quality," although it manifests by that aspect of Will which shows itself as _fixedness_, while its companion Quality, that of Continuity, manifests the phase of Will known as "stick-to-it-iveness." Persons in whom Firmness is largely developed make certain decisions and then abide by them. They may be coaxed but never driven. Prof. O. S. Fowler, speaking of this Quality, said: "No man ever succeeded without great will-power to hold on and hold out in the teeth of opposing difficulties. I never knew a man distinguished for anything, not even crimes, to lack it. It is an indispensable prerequisite of greatness and goodness. Without it great talents are of little avail, for they accomplish little; but with it large, fair to middling capacities accomplish commendable results. Success in life depends more on this than on any other single attribute."
This Quality manifests outer form on the centre-line of the back part of the top head, just above Self-Esteem. The location may be ascertained by holding the head erect, drawing an imaginary line upward from the opening of the ears straight to the top of the head to the middle-line or centre of the top of the head--the location is at this last-point. It is usually quite prominent, and in many men unusually large. When fully developed it gives a "tallness" to the head from the opening of the ears to top of head. When it is weak, there is apt to be a flatness or even a depression at the point of its location. It also manifests in a "stiff upper lip," that is a firm upper lip, the latter often being longer than ordinarily. A certain stiffness of the upper-lip is often noticed when Firmness is habitually asserted, or in cases when the Quality is temporarily called into play. The term "stiff upper lip" is more than a mere figurative expression. Combe says of this Quality: "When this organ predominates it gives a peculiar hardness to the manner, a stiffness and uprightness to the gait, with a forcible and emphatic tone to the voice."
CONTINUITY. This propensity manifests in a strong tendency to "stick-to" a thing once begun, until it is finished; a disinclination for change; a habit of patient work and thought; a desire to do but one thing at a time; etc. It is difficult to interest these people in _new_ things--they hold fast to the _old_. They are naturally conservative and are averse to "new-fangled" things. They are plodders and steady workers, and run on like a clock when once wound up. They are apt to possess the power of long and continued concentration upon anything which attracts their attention, although it is difficult to attract their attention to an entirely new thing. Prof. Sizer says: "Firmness gives a stiff, determined fortitude, decision of character; it serves to brace up the other faculties to the work in hand.... Firmness gives determination and obstinacy of purpose, while _Continuity_ gives a patient, perfecting, plodding application. Of two stone-cutters with equal Firmness, they will be alike thorough and persevering, but if one has large Continuity he prefers to use the drill in one place for hours, while the other with small Continuity craves variety, and prefers to use the chisel in cutting and dressing the entire surface of the stone."
Continuity in excess often manifests in "long-windedness," prosiness, boredom, prolixity and tiresomeness. When it is weak there is manifested a "flightiness," tendency to change, lack of concentration, attraction of the new, a shifting of base, change of mind, and general instability and lack of "stick-to-itiveness." This Quality manifests outer form on the centre line of the top back of the head, just below the crown (Self-Esteem) and just above Inhabitiveness (see group figure). Reference to the group figure will show that it is peculiar in shape, and forms a semi-circular arch over a part of the top-back head. When fully developed that part of the head is simply evenly rounded with swelling; when deficient it leaves a hollow, crescent shape, horns downward. In America we find the majority of people are weak in Continuity, while in certain other countries it is found largely developed in the majority of cases. This fact gives to Americans a benefit in certain directions and a weakness in others.
Both Firmness and Continuity are manifested almost entirely in connection with the other Qualities, and are known almost altogether in that way. In themselves they have almost abstract nature. In determining character, they must be taken largely into consideration, because their influence on the other Qualities is very great. In fact they may be said to _determine_ the degree of _application_ of the other Qualities.