By Stefanie Bross
The Lay Centre community held, on Nov. 25, the “Dies Academicus 2023,” an open day in which they welcome visitors and engage in fruitful intellectual dialogue. Four Lay Centre residents presented topics they have been studying and discussed them with those present in the audience. After the sessions, guests joined the community for lunch. The presentations were very diverse and included topics in history, culture, psychology, theology and spirituality.
Daniela Niño Giraldo delved into the intriguing concept of temperaments, namely, the phlegmatic, sanguine, choleric and melancholic archetypes. Drawing from a diverse academic background that includes international business and philosophy, as well as her current graduate work in philosophy at the Pontifical University Santa Croce, Daniela navigated the complex terrain of these innate predispositions.
Central to her discussion was the profound correlation between temperaments and the development of one's personality — a fundamental element in the pursuit of happiness. Giraldo utilized the analogy of the four elements to vividly illustrate the distinct characteristics and behaviours associated with each temperament, offering a compelling framework for understanding their nuances. She likened the temperaments to natural elements: sanguine akin to wind, choleric to fire, melancholic to earth, and phlegmatic to water. These comparisons highlighted how these dispositions reflect our natural reactions to external stimuli.
Her presentation highlighted the importance of comprehending these natural dispositions not just within oneself but also in others. Giraldo emphasized that such understanding fosters personal growth and facilitates interactions, creating a foundation for mutual appreciation and support. Moreover, she advocated for the integration of diverse temperaments, elucidating the idea that appreciating these differences can lead to collective enrichment. Her insights resonated as a call to embrace diversity, encouraging an environment where varied temperaments serve as catalysts for personal and communal development.
Watch her full intervetion on The Lay Centre's YouTube channel.
