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The Quintessential Element There are four main aspects to the human psyche. These are:Rationality, Emotions, Instincts and Intuition Rationality is the most understood in the West. It is the process of calculating, reasoning, and logic. So called 'intellectuals' use rationality almost exclusively, In terms of evolution it was the last to develop. Emotions are little understood in the West and although many eastern cultures act more on an emotional level, such behaviour is considered a bit unsavoury by Western standards. Many people involved in the arts work on an emotional level. It is the ability to feel, to empathise. Instinctual's make good sportsmen. People who would prefer to fight than argue are generally instinctuals. It was the first to develop in terms of evolution. Intuition is the least understood in the west. It is the so-called 'sixth-sense' and incorporates much of what is nowadays called 'psychic' abilities. Part of the evolutionary process is to balance these aspects and become detached from them. When you become detached these become weapons in your armoury. You can draw on rationality to understand, emotions to feel, instincts to act etc. But they don't carry you away. I've mentioned before ('Doing What is Good') about feeling in an objective way. The same applies to all the aspects of your character. Eventually you are able to stay detached at the centre, King or Queen of your own universe. This is what the Ancient Greeks called the Quintessential Element; it is the fifth element that is the centre of the other four. Popular culture has generated unbalanced heroes Many movie heroes are completely instinctual, lacking in any reasoning or compassionate ability. Others, such as 'Data' in one of Star Track series, is completely intellectual. Stephen Hawkins, the Oxford Professor, has an appeal to many people for the same reason.