Further Description

Phlegm refers to a lack of emotional response, not a state of laziness or lack of energy. Therefore, it would be incorrect to label someone with a strong tendency towards phlegm as a phlegmatic or categorize them as lazy or idle. When phlegm is seen as weakness, it indicates a tendency to avoid action, even when there are strong reasons to act. This indifference to motivation is a deliberate choice to avoid engaging in activities, with the primary desires being to rest or indulge in comfort. On the other hand, when phlegm is seen as strength, it represents a calm and measured approach to life, where one is not easily provoked into impulsive actions but remains steady and deliberate. A person with this type of phlegm may take their time to warm up to situations but tends to maintain a consistent, steady approach once engaged. This temperament is not easily ruffled, as they carefully consider whether or not to react, especially when compared to more hot-tempered individuals who may lose their composure quickly. A phlegmatic individual with a reasonable amount of intellect does not need to be overly clever to act according to sound principles, rather than instinct. Their composed nature, though not particularly remarkable, often appears wise to others, earning them a reputation as thoughtful or philosophical without being boastful. They may also be seen as shrewd, as they are not easily affected by criticism or external pressures. In relationships, such a person can maintain control in a subtle way, seeming to align with others’ desires while gently influencing their outcomes, much like how a solid object moves through an obstacle without forcefully breaking it, simply carrying it along.