How can we better understand ourselves and others? The classical concept of the four temperaments--the four personality types characterized as the fiery choleric, the airy sanguine, the watery phlegmatic and the earthy melancholic--has been revered by many significant thinkers over the ages. In a refreshing treatment, Dr. Childs demonstrates that this ancient doctrine remains relevant to our modern lives.He shows how we can recognize the temperaments in others, as well as in ourselves, and how to understand the ways in which they function.Understanding their influences can boost personal development and help improve interpersonal relationships. Conversational in tone and easily digestible, this book features fascinating discussions of the relationships between adults of various temperaments.Childs reviews matters of compatibility in partnership, family and workplace situations, liberally spicing his commentary with amusing examples of likely scenarios.He investigates the origins and manifestations of the temperaments in both their psychological and physiological aspects. Also included is a section on the temperaments of children, along with helpful and practical advice on dealing with individual issues.