Face reading - Face the facts:

Driven by shear curiosity, since I have immense interest in such subjects, wondered how my life would change if I could read the private thoughts of others. I could choose friends based on their character traits rather than the trial and error method and for that matter anyone with such skills can become superman/women provided he/she is an expert in physiognomy.

Face reading is a fascinating tool for exploring who we are, as well as learning what is possible, both for us and others. After all knowledge is power.  Interpretation of character and fate from the study of a person's face is called 'Physiognomy' or 'Face reading'. It is obvious that when we meet an unknown person, we try to understand his feelings by looking at his face. So the origin of Physiognomy traces back to the date of origin of human beings.  

Face reading dates back to Aristotle who is believed to have advised Alexander on who was to be suitably employed. This science of Physiognomy is not new to India and China. The Chinese have been reading faces for thousands of years. Chinese texts dating back 300 B.C., mention Physiognomy. This form of divination is best learnt from a master. Even though Homer, Socrates and Pythagoras make reference to Physiognomy; the ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle seem to have given most frequent attribution.  He devoted six chapters to the method in his physiognomy volume.

American anthropologists James Carey and A T Steegman found that the size of our noses depends on where we were born and where our ancestors came from. According to them, we need noses to humidify and warm the air that goes into our lungs. In cold, dry countries people tend to have long, sharp noses because they have to deal with harsh air conditions.

In February 2009, Glasgow University conducted a study that examined whether self-assessed personality characteristics could be identified from appearance. Glasgow University's, Dr Rob Jenkins said: "It's possible that there is some correlation between appearance and personality because both are influenced by our genetic make-up."

The shape of a person's face is influenced by heredity, environment and emotional experiences.  The face tells the story of the entire body in its expression and its repression. People with big nose make Big Money, and those with a broad one have a powerful sex drive. Studies go into great detail about the spirit, essence, energy, animal morphology, elemental body types, complexion, radiance and glossiness of the skin, vitality and mind. Though methods vary, the face is generally divided up into sections and sectors that refer to organs in the body and points are assigned to the face. The lines, moles, knots, shape, color and texture of the flesh are observed to determine one’s character, longevity, wealth, fertility and general health.

When an experienced face reader or personality analyst studies your face structure, understands the hidden expressions on your face, observes your skin tones, pigmentation and color, locates the position of each facial organ with relation to each other, compares your face with various other set stereo-types to give you a detailed analysis of your past, current & future personality, basic aspects about your future family and love life.

A child read faces all the time. Studies in child development show infants as young as the pre-speech stage of life read their mothers faces to detect moods, energy level and disposition.

I remember of having read a bit about Stevie Wonder. The artist was quoted as saying, “God made me blind so that I could teach those with eyes how to see.” I invite you to let me teach you how to see the vast world which exists in the contours of the human face.

A physiognomic named Yoshito Mizuno was employed from 1936 to 1945 by the Imperial Japanese Naval Aeronautics Department. Admiral Yamamoto's staff discovered that he could predict with over 80% accuracy, the qualifications of candidates to become successful pilots.

By the way, even if you are an expert in face reading, remember a Chinese Proverb:

Do not employ beautiful girls in your office and never employ handsome servants at home.

Photos shown here are my own and are part of my FLICKR album. I own the copy right.