Secretiveness (phrenology)

Secretiveness is a phrenological faculty.

Definition

Secretiveness confers discretion and diplomacy, with reticence, with the urge to conceal and cover up. A strong Secretiveness stands for deceit, cheating, masking one's true disposition. A weak Secretiveness on the other hand stands for frankness, lack of reserve and self-control.

Localisation

On the side of the head, between Destructiveness and Cautiousness.

Interaction with other faculties

• Secretiveness + strong Acquisitiveness: desire to conceal motives, employ underhand methods, double dealing and trickery in business.
• Secretiveness + weak Conscientiousness: lying and deliberate deceit

References

• George Combe A System of Phrenology, 5th edn, 2 vols. 1853.