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Cardinal traits dominate an individualspersonalityto the point that the individual becomes known for them.
While cardinal traits are the most dominantpersonality traits, they are also the rarest.
Cardinal traits often develop later in life.
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They shape almost all aspects of an individual’s purpose, behavior, and attitudes.
Few people are so ruled by a singular theme that shapes the course of their entire life.
These personality traits are so strong that a person’s very name becomes almost synonymous with these qualities.
In reality, all people are a mixture of traits and characteristics.
Allport then developed three different categories of personality traits: cardinal, central, and secondary.
Allport suggested that most people have about five to ten central traits.
He also theorized that most people have many of these traits to a certain degree.
Or a normally calm person might become very anxious when faced with speaking in public.
However, famous or infamous historical figures are often thought of in terms of their cardinal traits.
Some examples include:
you could also find examples of cardinal traits in literature and myth.
Ebenezer Scrooge portrayed the cardinal trait of greediness.
Don Juan was so renowned for his sexual exploits that his name became a synonym for heartbreaker and libertine.
What Causes Cardinal Traits?
Like other personality traits, cardinal traits are due to genetic and environmental factors.
Twin studies have found that genetics play a significant role in shaping our personalities.
According to these studies, genetics account for about 30% to 60% of personality.
One study found that the interactions between more than 700 genes strongly influence certain personality traits.
The study also suggests that this impact is more significant than environmental or cultural influences.
It is hard to look at someone like Albert Einstein and think of him as anything other than agenius.
But of course, he was a human like everyone else, with a unique and multi-faceted personality.
It is difficult and usually unfair to reduce any person to a single trait or quality.
It is rare for anyone to have a single cardinal trait that defines them.
But they exist on a spectrum.
Where you land on the spectrum for each factor is what makes up your personality.
Understanding your own personality traits can be a great way to build personal insight and self-awareness.
It can give you clues about your character, interests, tendencies, and preferences.
If you asked someone to describe you in one word, what would it be?
If one characteristic stands out more than any other, that might just be your cardinal trait.
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