Florence Littauer facts for kids

Florence Littauer (born Chapman; April 27, 1928 – July 11, 2020) was an American Christian author and speaker. She wrote books to help people understand themselves better. She was famous for her "Personality Plus" system. Florence was recognized as one of "100 Christian Women Who Changed the Twentieth Century." She also received awards for her excellent public speaking.

About Florence Littauer

Her Early Life

Florence grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Her parents were Walter and Katie F. Chapman. She lived with her family in just three rooms above her father's store. She was a smart student and earned a scholarship to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. There, she studied English and learned a bit about how the mind works.

Finding Her Path

Florence met her future husband, Fred Littauer, at a summer camp. They got married, and their wedding was even featured in Life magazine! They had five children together. Sadly, two of their children faced serious health challenges. Their third child, Freddie, passed away as a baby. Their fourth child, Larry, needed special care because of a brain disorder.

During these tough times, Florence felt very sad and low. But then she met Roy Gustafson, who was part of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Team. This meeting helped Florence and Fred find a new direction. They started a business where they spoke to groups and wrote religious books. They also adopted another son after Freddie's death.

In 2002, Fred passed away suddenly. Florence was working on her book, Behind the Personality: The Story of My Life, at the time. She added a special message about Fred in the book's last chapter.

Understanding Personalities: Personality Plus

Florence Littauer is best known for her "Personality Plus" system. This system helps people understand different personality types. It shows how these types affect how we act and get along with others. It's a way to learn about yourself and the people around you.

The Four Personality Types

Florence described four main personality types. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. No type is better than another. They are just different ways people tend to be.

Powerful Cholerics

These people are natural leaders. They are strong, decisive, and like to get things done. They are driven and want to achieve goals. Sometimes, they might seem a bit bossy, but they are good at making things happen.

Perfect Melancholies

These are the thinkers. They love to analyze things, make lists, and plan carefully. They are often very smart and pay attention to details. They like maps, charts, and doing things the "right way." Sometimes, they might overthink things.

Popular Sanguines

These people are very social and love to have fun! They enjoy talking, telling stories, and being the center of attention. They are friendly and can get others excited. They might promise a lot, but sometimes they don't always follow through on everything.

Peaceful Phlegmatics

These people are laid-back and calm. They want a peaceful environment more than anything. They are easygoing and don't like to cause trouble. They are good at helping people get along because they usually don't have many enemies. They also have a quiet, clever sense of humor.

It's important to remember that all these types have good and not-so-good sides. The goal is to understand these traits, not to judge them.