How to Read Human Nature Part 6

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 att.i.tude, 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 att.i.tudes, 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 suns.h.i.+ne 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 att.i.tudes."

SHAPES OF FACES

The authorities in Physiognomy divide the faces of persons into three general cla.s.ses, viz: (1) The Round Face; (2) The Oblong Face; and (3) The Pear-shaped Face.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 12 ROUND FACE]

In Fig. 12, we see the Round Face. This face is indicative of the Vital Temperament. It is usually a.s.sociated 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 13 OBLONG FACE]

In Fig. 13, we see the Oblong Face. This face is indicative of the Motive Temperament. It is usually a.s.sociated 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_.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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 a.s.sociated 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, pus.h.i.+ng others aside, and not being disturbed by "the higher feelings." They are generally stubborn; and their weak point is apt to be Amativeness.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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, a.s.sociated 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 18 BROAD FACE]

The above mentioned several types or cla.s.ses 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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.

CHAPTER XVII

CHINS AND MOUTHS

Physiognomists regard the chin as an important feature to be considered in the study of faces as the outer form of character. The following are the princ.i.p.al points of the "reading" of chins.

In Fig. 20 we see the first point to be observed in the study of chins.

The rule is to draw an imaginary perpendicular line from the point at the root of the nose, between the two eyebrows. In the normal and average type, the line touches the upper lip and chin. But we find the normal condition in but comparatively few cases, the majority manifesting a variation backward or forward. When the chin is found to recede from the line, it is interpreted as an indication of weakness, lack of stability and firmness, and a general vacillating and unstable character. When the chin projects beyond the line, it is interpreted as indicating firmness, stubborness, and a generally selfish nature, which is considered "strong" by contrast with the "weak" receding chin. When the projecting chin is _pointed_, it indicates that the strength is manifested as grasping, miserliness, etc.; while if it is _square_, it indicates Combativeness and Destructiveness as well as Acquisitiveness; and if it is _very broad and square_, it indicates the domineering, "bossy," tyrannical, self-willed character.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 20 CHIN STUDY]

The above points regarding the chin must always be taken into consideration. The following points are based on the shape of the chin when in _normal position_, that is when the perpendicular line descends in a straight line from the root of the nose to the chin:

The _narrow-round chin_ indicates _idealistic feeling_ not manifesting in decided action. These people have high desires, longings, and aspiration, but lack the will to act upon the same.

The _narrow-square chin_ indicates the idealistic nature, _accompanied by the will to act_ upon the same.

The _broad-round chin_ indicates _substantial feeling_, without the will to manifest it in decided action. These people desire ordinary, plain, practical things, but lack the initiative, will and nerve to overcome obstacles to acquire them.

The _broad-square chin_ indicates that the feelings are plain, practical and substantial, _with the will to back them up_.

From the above, it will be seen that _roundness_ indicates _feeling_; and that _squareness_ denotes _will_; that narrowness denotes _ideality_; while _broadness_ denotes _practical, substantial, plain_ desires and tastes.

The _dimpled or indented chin_ indicates the warm artistic temperament with its accompanying desire for love of the opposite s.e.x, desire for affection, and alas! too often a fickleness and lack of loyalty and fidelity in love affairs.

JAWS

A _broad, firm jaw_ indicates strong Combativeness, Destructiveness and Firmness.

A _narrow, loose jaw_ indicates the reverse of the qualities above noted.

A _loose, drooping jaw and open mouth_ indicates timidity, weakness, shyness, or despondency.

The _fighters_ in all walks of life manifest the strong, firm jaw. It is the survival of the primitive "bite" in the animal or cave-man.