Article February 28, 1948 Issue

TEMPERAMENT AND INDIVIDUALITY

BETTIE BOONE

One of the various human concepts which are believed to be essential to certain professions and industries is that of "artistic temperament." A dictionary defines temperament in part as the "type of mental reactions characteristic of an individual." When we learn through Christian Science of what man's individuality consists, we discover that the characteristic mental reaction of man is his responsive concurrence with good, with Mind, Love, Soul, Principle.

Mary Baker Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 477), "Identity is the reflection of Spirit, the reflection in multifarious forms of the living Principle, Love." Thus we learn that this "reflection of Spirit" constitutes our only character and individuality.

The suggestion is sometimes made that a vivid temperament is an aid in impressing others and in furthering business or social relationships. Our Leader states (ibid., p. 67): "The notion that animal natures can possibly give force to character is too absurd for consideration, when we remember that through spiritual ascendency our Lord and Master healed the sick, raised the dead, and commanded even the winds and waves to obey him. Grace and Truth are potent beyond all other means and methods." The substance of this statement is used by Mrs. Eddy again in her Message to The Mother Church for 1901 (p. 19), indicating her opinion of its importance.

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