Three Compartments: Abdomen, Thorax, and Cranium

The three fundamental domains of the human being and how they reflect on life

When I look at people, almost involuntarily and from my own experience, I see them as consisting of three compartments.

The first of these is the abdomen. The abdomen is the general domain where all digestive functions take place—where energy is produced, where food from the outside world is processed, and where the resulting waste is expelled. Many people live their lives mainly through this abdominal perspective; eating, drinking, and viewing life through food and consumption.

The second is the thorax. The thoracic cavity is the space where the lungs and the heart are located. People with an expanded thoracic space often have broad chests, well-expanded lungs, and strong, powerful heartbeats. These individuals tend to be more athletic. At the same time, they are emotional and sensitive.

The third compartment is the cranial cavity—namely, the brain within the cranium. Those who give importance to this area usually engage in scientific work. They are researchers. Their lives revolve around science, imagination, and making sense of the world.

In reality, all these compartments work together. Yet some people emphasize the abdominal domain—eating and drinking. Some emphasize the thoracic domain—sports, life, enthusiasm, heart, affection. Others emphasize the cranial domain—science, wisdom, research, inquiry, discovery.

Although they seem to operate collectively, when you look at the people around you and at yourself, I believe that if you can identify which compartment someone prioritizes, you can more or less understand their identity.