HOW TO READ HUMAN NATURE/PART 16
CHAPTER XVI
FACES
Next
to the shape of the head, the facial expression furnishes us with the most
marked indication of the outer form accompanying the inner mental state. In
fact, many authorities hold that the facial expression affords the most easily
read and most comprehensive index of character, and that, therefore,
Physiognomy possesses many points of superiority over Phrenology. The truth
seems to be that Physiognomy and Phrenology are twin-sciences, and that the
true student of Human Nature should acquaint himself thoroughly with both.
Physiognomy
is "the science and art of discovering or reading the temper and other
characteristic qualities of the mind by the features of the face." The
philosophy underlying the science of Physiognomy has been stated at length in
the first several chapters of this book, the essence of which is that mental
states manifest in outward form. The majority of persons apply the
principles of Physiognomy more or less unconsciously in judging the
characters of those with whom they come in contact. Nearly every one scans
closely the features of those whom they meet for the first time, and form a
general impression therefrom. Children and domestic animals possess an
instinctive knowledge of facial expression and can often tell very accurately
the general disposition toward them possessed by various persons. Certain
persons are generally considered to "look stupid," while others have
"a bright, intelligent expression"; some look "tricky,"
while others "look honest" and trustworthy.
Professor
Nelson Sizer says: "Though all human beings have the general human form
and features—though all have eyes, nose, mouth, chin, etc., yet each one has a
different face and look from every other. And, more, yet, the same person has a
very different facial look at different times, according as he is angry or
friendly, etc. And always the same look when in the same mood. Of course, then,
something causes this expression—especially, since all who are angry, friendly,
etc., have one general or similar expression; that is, one look expresses
anger, another affection, another devotion, another kindness, etc. And since
nature always works by means, she must needs have her physiognomical tools. Nor
are they under the control of the will, for they act spontaneously. We cannot help,
whether we will or no, laughing when merry, even though in church, pouting when
provoked, and expressing all our mental operations, down even to the very
innermost recesses of our souls, in and by our countenances. And with more
minuteness and completeness than by words, especially when the expressions are
intense or peculiar."
Professor
Drayton says, "Everything, from head to feet, of form, size, and action,
indicates in some degree, the character of the individual, or state of mind,
and feeling in exercise for the time being. The arching or depressing of the
eyebrows, the full opening or partial closing of the eye, the pursing or
pouting of the lips, the firm set jaw, the elevated head, the lofty shoulders,
the stiff attitude, the dignified and stately step, or the reverse of this,
will impress each observer in respect to the changing moods which
may exist in a given individual.... Each of the mental organs has its
natural language, as shown in pantomine, which is exhibited by the gestures and
motions of the head, hands and body. Children and animals read the feelings of
their parents or masters by their motions and attitudes, which are often more
influential than words. The brain is the central source of motive and mental
power; every action has its root or seat of impulse in the brain and its
connections, and as the mind forms purposes, the will is sent out to the
extremities, and the external motions express the inward thought and feeling.
Habitual states of mind tend to produce habitual forms and expressions of face
and body; a person who suffers pain for years, will have in the face an
expression of the internal state; one who has been nurtured in gladness, though
the face may not be beautiful, will wear the sunshine of joy; one who has had
care and responsibility, will come to show it in the face, in the walk, and in
the voice, as one who has been subjugated and kept subordinate will have the
word humiliation written in his features not only, but in all his
movements and attitudes."
SHAPES OF FACES
The
authorities in Physiognomy divide the faces of persons into three general
classes, viz: (1) The Round Face; (2) The Oblong Face; and (3) The Pear-shaped
Face.
Fig. 12
ROUND FACE
In
Fig. 12, we see the Round Face. This face is indicative of the Vital Temperament.
It is usually associated with broad shoulders, short neck, full chest, and
plumpness, with enlarged abdomen in middle life. These people love ease and
physical comforts, good eating and drinking, and not too much hard mental or
physical work. They are solicitous of the comfort of their bodies, and
generally "look out for No. 1" in this respect. They are generally
good-natured and sociable, and often jolly.
Fig. 13
OBLONG FACE
In
Fig. 13, we see the Oblong Face. This face is indicative of the Motive
Temperament. It is usually associated with a compact firm body, which
while well filled out can scarcely be called plump, certainly not fleshy. These
people are generally strong and active, persevering and sparing neither
themselves or others in the direction of work. They are apt to have a very fair
share of common sense; are practical; and are generally reliable.
Fig. 14
PEAR-SHAPED FACE
In
Fig. 14, we see the Pear-shaped Face. This face is indicative of the Mental
Temperament. It is usually associated with a delicately formed body, and finely
proportioned physical shape; the shoulders often being narrow, and the neck
long. These people manifest the characteristics of mental and nervous force,
rather than of vital or motive energy. They often have bright, expressive eyes,
and show other signs of the artistic or literary character. They are inclined
to be sensitive and impressionable, and to suffer and enjoy keenly.
In
addition to the aforementioned general types, there are several others which
are modifications thereof, and which we shall now consider.
In
Fig. 15, we see the Square Face. This face indicates a combination of the
Motive and Vital Temperaments, with the Religio-Moral Qualities deficient and
the Selfish-Qualities predominant. These people usually have square, stocky
bodies, strong and wiry, and are tenacious of life. They are Materialistic to a
degree, and cannot understand others who differ temperamentally from them.
Usually, they have Combativeness and Destructiveness large; strong
Perceptive Qualities; and but moderate Conscientiousness. They look out
for themselves, pushing others aside, and not being disturbed by "the
higher feelings." They are generally stubborn; and their weak point is apt
to be Amativeness.
Fig. 15
SQUARE FACE
In
Fig. 16, we see the Egg-shaped Face. This face indicates the Mental Temperament
with the Psychic Qualities largely in the ascendent. The Selfish Qualities are
weak, while the Qualities of Mysticism, Reverence and
Ideality are large. These people are generally known as "spiritual,"
and are often very "psychic." They are generally impractical and
dwell in an ideal world apart from the things of earth.
Fig. 16
EGG-SHAPED FACE
In
Fig. 17, we see the Inverted-Egg-shaped Face. This face indicates the extreme
form of the Vital Temperament, associated with an absence of the active
qualities which should accompany it. The Mental and Motive Qualities are
quite deficient, while the purely Animal Qualities are strong.
The result is a pig-like nature, content with wallowing in the
mud of the animal propensities and having a full swill-barrel. These people are
essentially lazy, gross, worthless, and animal-like. Note the large lower-face
(without the strong jaw), and the small upper head. Note the broad nose, and
general lazy expression.
Fig. 17
INVERTED EGG-SHAPED FACE
In
Figs. 18 and 19, respectively, we see the contrast between Broad and
Narrow Faces. The rule is that Broad Faces indicate fight, destructiveness, and
acquisitiveness—the Selfish Faculties, in fact; while Narrow Faces indicate a
lack of these qualities. The broad-headed animals are the fighters, while the
narrow-heads are the timid and peaceful, as a rule. The same principle applies
in the case of men. Look over the charts of the Qualities, and see why this is.
Fig. 18
BROAD FACE
The
above mentioned several types or classes of faces have, of course,
innumerable variations and combinations, but a careful study of these several
types will give one the general key to all faces. It is well to obtain a side
view, as well as a full-face view, of the face one wishes to study.
Fig. 19
NARROW FACE
In
studying faces, not only the general shape of the face must be observed, but
also the various features thereof, as for instance: the chin; the mouth; the
nose; the eyes; the ears; etc. These features form the subject of the following
chapters.
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