The Effects of Cosmology on Temperament and The Spread of Temperament on The World
Tuncay SONAY
Researcher Traveler
OrcID 0000-0003-2788-9658
The Effects of Cosmology on Temperament and the Spread
of Temperament on the World
ABSTRACT
In this article, we will
evaluate the effects of cosmology on human morality and appearance, namely the
relationship between temperament and cosmology. We will reveal the theory of
temperament which is four elements spread to four corners of the world that are
fire, air, water, and soil is located in Asia, the West, the Middle climate,
and Africa. We will show the relationship between the four elements and the
world's four regions related to those elements by using physiognomy. We will
analyze the characteristics of the four regions in terms of two aspects: their
approaches to science and their religious views, focusing on the distinct
attributes of each element. While our theory enables us to understand history
correctly, it also sheds light on current and ancient social issues.
Researchers of social science and the history of religion will be able to make
more accurate comments by making inferences within the framework of our theory
while evaluating their findings.
Keywords; Temperament, Ethics, Cosmology
The Effects of Cosmology on Temperament and The Spread of Temperament
on The World
The reasons that shape human morality and behavior are
complex and multifaceted. This article relies on personal observation, and
previous world travelers’ sources such as works of Ibn Fadlan and Ibn Battuta.
From this perspective we will evaluate all collected information about
different region and combine with Dr.
Hippocrates, Ibn Haldun, and Ibrahim Hakkı’s works, who extensively studied
temperament and physiognomy. By synthesizing these scientific and experiential
realms of knowledge, we will reveal that four humors are on the four corners of
the world.
The temperament theory in our article, which states that the
four temperaments are observed in four regions, will shed light on today's
social issues and will provide more accurate inferences when interpreting the
history of religions. Therefore, we will examine the religious sect choices of the
four regions, and their approaches to science and some social issues in the
regions.
Let's define the four humors and four regions we're talking
about. Four humors that Dr. Hipoccrat
proposed are black bile, yellow bile, blood, and phlegm.1 In our
article, we unveil four humors relations with the regions Asia with the
predominance of yellow bile (air), The west with the predominance of phlegm
(water), the Middle Climate with the predominance of blood (fire), and Africa
with the predominance of black bile (earth). Upon investigating the societies'
religious beliefs, and their approaches to science, in the four regions, we
found a striking parallel between the four humors' reflections on
characteristics. From that point, we link regional characteristics and humor to
have a significant connection. Consequently, we conclude that the sun serves as
the primary aspect distributing four humors to the regions. In other words, we
can say that the main factor that creates the domination of bile, black bile,
blood, and phlegm is the flame of the sun. Subsequently, we will demonstrate
the correlation between the character-appearance relationship derived from
physiognomy and the characteristics of societies in the four regions, including
their outward appearances. This will affirm how cosmological factors have
influenced human temperament, encompassing both character and appearance, based
on regional distinctions. Before delving into this proof, let us describe the
concept of temperament.
Temperament is Latin for the most suitable ratio of parts.
These parts are the four elements in nature, namely fire, air, water, and
earth, which are the states of our body, blood, bile phlegm, and black smoke.
As a result of living in a place for a long time and consuming the food of that
place, the human being is the most basic factor that creates his temperament,
which is inherited and cannot be changed from seven to seventy. A person who
finds the most appropriate ratio of these elements, that is, the balance,
regains health and becomes ill as a result of one of the fluids in the body
being predominant, and the healing will be by balancing with the opposite of
that fluid. It is the theory of the four fluids introduced by Hippocrates.
Now let's take a closer look at how the sun's impact varies
from east to west; The sun rises in Asia and sets in the West. In this process,
the sun leaves its flame mostly to Asia, balanced to the middle climate ( from
Middle Asia to the European border including the Middle East and Northern Africa),
and least to the west. In Asia, under the influence of intense flame, the
liquids in the bodies dry up and the predominance of yellow bile emerges. In
the west, the sun's flame decreases and loses its burning effect, causing
phlegm to be predominant in the bodies. In the middle climate, it keeps the
sun's flame moderated and balances phlegm and bile, allowing the red blood to
prevail in the body. In Africa, the predominance of black bile is observed.
1. Hippocrates. (2023,
June 11). Humoral theory. In APA Dictionary of Psychology (4th ed.). American
Psychological Association. https://dictionary.apa.org/humoral-theory
Now let's look at the symptoms of liquids in the body
referenced by İbrahim Hakkı from Erzurum;
In this section, let's specify the symptoms of the people
with the predominance of each liquid, and then we will talk about the four
regions, whereas characteristic features we have mentioned, and their
approaches to science, art, and religion.
Yellow Bile
Dominance: People with bile supremacy often have a yellow
complexion, high internal fat content, and long sleep patterns. Experienced
medical scholars have identified the following signs of bile supremacy:
jaundice, yellowing of the eyes, dryness at the tip of the mouth and nose,
severe thirst, loss of appetite, frequent vomiting, hardening of the tongue,
fever in dreams, and a sour mouth on awakening. 2 This temperament
is more common in Asia, where people are exposed to more sunlight flame.
Phlegm Dominance:
People with phlegm supremacy often have a white complexion, higher rate of meat,
fat, and internal fat, and they tend to sleep a lot. They may also have soft,
cold skin, excess saliva, lack of thirst, weak digestion, callousness,
belching, dreams of water and snow, and a salty mouth upon waking. 2
This temperament is more common in the West, where people are exposed to less
sunlight flame.
Red Blood Dominance: In
appearance, it is red-skinned with the supremacy of blood, with a high rate of
meat, with a large breast, with visible veins, with large bones in the hands
and feet, the smell of stool is strong and dark in color, anger in speaking
with fast and more word usage. Headache, seeing the color red in a dream and
mouth sweetness, yawning, stagnation, and hemorrhoids are observed.2
This temperament is observed in the middle climate, where the flame effect of
the sun is balanced.
Black Bile Dominance: It
has been experienced as the blackness of the body, high rate of external and
internal fat, and the smallness of the bones of the hands and feet. 2
This temperament is observed in Africa.
Along
with these four humors also have specifications such as hotness-coldness and
humidity-dryness.
The
Dominance of Hotness: Red body, wheat skin, wide chest,
active pulse, visible veins, rapid speech and movement, long awake time,
yawning, size of hands, feet, and bones, strong smelling stools. The opposite
of these signs considered coldness. 2
Individuals
who show most of these signs are in predominance of corresponded humor
Previously, we explored the physical characteristics of
humors. In this section, we will examine the general features and appearances
of humors.
We have identified the characteristic features of
temperaments by considering the regions that share the characteristics found in
the travel books of Ibn Fadlan and Ibn Battuta from the 10th and 13th
centuries, as well as our own current observations that was parallel to all. We
have come to the
2.İbrahim Hakkı from Erzurum.
Marifetname
conclusion that four regions have some characteristics regardless
of what race or religious belief is habituated
in that region. At that point, physiognomic shreds of evidence showed us these
characteristic features are reflected in the appearance. Now, let us reveal the
distribution of temperaments in the world.
Regarding physiognomy, We have drawn on the work of Mehmet
Ali Bulut, who wrote Elfabe, and Erzurumlu İbrahim Hakkı, who wrote
Marifetname, for their insights into physiognomy. Now, let us reveal the
distribution of temperaments in the world.
Asia: Yellow Bile
Supremacy
In Asia, intense sun flame causes the fluids in people's
bodies to evaporate, leading to an abundance of yellow bile that influences
their temperament. Consequently, many individuals in Asia have yellow-toned
skin and black hair. However, it is uncommon to find people with blonde hair in
Asia.
Asia has a harmonious and patient temperament but lacks
strong faith, leaning towards materialistic expectations. Moreover, they appear
to encounter challenges when it comes to forgiveness. According to physiognomy,
the width of the distance between the eye and the eyebrow is used as a measure
for the difficulty of forgiveness2, and it is observed to be wide
among Asian individuals. Similarly, the long distance between the nose and chin
in Asian people is considered a sign of patience in physiognomy2.
Apart from these; It is worth noting that even though the truth may be
accurate, they tend to resist accepting it when it carries a negative sentiments.
This observation is reflective of the region's approach to science.
The temperament of individuals in Asia has inclined them
towards a desire for material possessions rather than a pursuit of truth.
Physically, narrow spaces between the eyebrows and nose, as well as slanted
eyes, are indicative of a tendency towards diminished love and faith within
their character.2 The narrow gap between their eyes and eyebrows
signifies difficulties in forgiving.2 They tend to gravitate towards
philosophical, faith-based religions that align with their temperament.
Throughout history, they have held expectations for the
religion they have chosen, seeking one that promises wealth and fortune. These
expectations are often expressed through religious rituals as they hope for the
fulfillment of their desires. While they aspire for good outcomes, their hopes
lie in luck accompanying them and their belief that by doing good, goodness
will come their way. Even if individuals with this temperament change their
religious affiliation, they tend to assess the principles of their previous
religion based on how well it aligns with their worldly expectations. These
regions have held a reputation for being remarkably secure for travelers
throughout history, establishing themselves as favorable destinations for
explorers.3 The people, therefore, hold a deep sense of respect.
Furthermore, they have actively avoided establishing a reputation as mere
entertainment destinations, instead emphasizing moral values.3 These
characteristics have endured to the present day. Regarding their approach to
science, it is noticeable that they exhibit a reluctance to accept negative
facts. Thus, we can relate the influence of their temperament to their
perspectives on both religion and science.
2.İbrahim Hakkı from Erzurum.
Marifetname
3.Ibn Battuta. Rihla: The Travels of
Ibn Battuta
West: Phlegm Supremacy
As we
mentioned before, the sun's intensity decreases as we move westward from its
birthplace in Asia. In Western societies, the sun's flame influence is
primarily felt during noon, and it is not as hot as in the East. This effect of
the sun leads to an increase in bodily fluids of among the people of the West,
giving rise to a phlegmatic temperament. As a result, they tend to have fair
skin, blond hair, and colored eyes. The most notable characteristic of the
phlegmatic dominance in Western temperament is their pragmatic approach to
life, where they prioritize actions based on personal benefits. The beneficial
influence of their temperament is evident in their religious and sectarian
differences, as well as their approach to science. These differences within the
West are often driven by logical considerations and self-interest. The
establishment of the Anglican Church, for example, was a result of the English
king's desire for personal control and the ability to exercise practice. This
further expanded the Catholic and Orthodox realms, which had already split due
to their own aspirations. Additionally, Western individuals, driven by their
rationality, possess the ability to set aside personal desires due to the
temperate nature of the fire within them. As a result, they are more inclined
to prioritize pure scientific truths over personal passions, placing them at
the forefront of scientific discoveries.
Middle Climate; Blood Supremacy
We
stated that the sun radiates its heat excessively over Asia and comparatively
less over the west. As a result, the region that benefits from a moderate
amount of sunlight and its flame is located in the middle climate, namely
extending to Central Asia, Indian societies, and the Islamic geography.
In terms of physical appearance, they resemble a bridge
between the East and the West. The blood within their bodies accumulates,
resulting in rosy cheeks. This physiological trait is accompanied by an honest
and fair temperament, as these individuals possess a strong inclination toward
seeking truth. Their strong desires are reflected in their bloodline,
symbolized by the presence of hair in the waist area. Moreover, the distance
between their eyebrows and nose is wide, indicating their profound faith in
love and God. We will see their passion for seeking truth in their religious
beliefs.
Throughout
history, it has been observed repeatedly that the rulers of this region were
subjected to trials by the judicial authorities they appointed, and they
willingly accepted unfavorable decisions concerning themselves.3
From our observations and the accounts of previous travelers, it becomes
evident that such incidents were not prevalent in Asia and the West. Asian and
Western rulers had concerns about unfavorable decisions of appointed judicial
authorities.
Furthermore, the reason behind the sectarian differences in
this region can be attributed to the pursuit of truth, irrespective of the
religious beliefs of the societies that are habituated in this region. As a
result, sects were formed based on principles believed to be more accurate, and
it was evident that these sects maintained communication and sought guidance
(ijtihad) from one another. However, when it came to the field of science, they
were driven by their tendencies, which hazed their judgment when evaluating
their findings. In their scientific research, they
3.Ibn Battuta. Rihla: The Travels of
Ibn Battuta
wholeheartedly embraced their perspectives and made earnest
attempts to persuade others to adopt their ideas, especially in situations
where the scientific data were inconclusive. This manner is a result of the
blood dominance which drives them passionately.
Additionally, it has been observed that individuals belonging to the
middle climate tend to self-pleasure.3
Africa; Black Bile Supremacy
In Africa, there is a prevalence of black bile, which is
reflected in the black skin tone of its inhabitants. They have been observed to
possess a submissive temperament, as evidenced by their curly hair.2
Throughout history, it has also been noted that they have been subjected to
obedience.
Conclusion
In this study, in 400 BC, Dr. Hippocrates' theory of four
humors was revealed to have formed as a result of cosmological factors and
shaped the four regions of the world. We then proved that the four temperaments
are distributed in four regions by demonstrating that the relationship between
character and appearance, which we learned from physiognomy, is also found in
the appearances and social tendencies of the people of that region. We revealed
that the societies in the regions are divided into sects under the influence of
their temperament, regardless of their religion, and that they also behave
under the influence of their temperament in their approach to science.
Therefore, we have established that when evaluating current and ancient
societies, not on their religious and moral choices, but their temperament to
be taken into consideration
2.İbrahim Hakkı from Erzurum.
Marifetname
3.Ibn Battuta. Rihla: The Travels of
Ibn Battuta
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