Have you ever been afraid of or attracted to someone just because of the way the person looks? When you first meet someone, it is not unusual to react to his or her appearance. But these are first impressions, and most people assume that it takes time to find out what someone is really like. It is possible, however, that a person’s appearance reveals more than we realize. According to some experts, a person’s face, head, and body can reveal a great deal about personality.
Since ancient times, people have practiced the art of physiognomy, or reading character from physical features. The ancient Greeks compared the human face to the faces of various animals and birds, such as the eagle and the horse. They believed people shared certain character traits with the animals they resembled. A person with an equine, or horselike, face was thought to be loyal, brave, and stern. A person with an aquiline, or eaglelike, nose was believed to be bold and courageous, as well as arrogant and self - centered.
Physiognomists study such features as the shape of the head, the length and thickness of the neck, the color and thickness of the hair, and the shape of the nose, mouth, eyes, and chin. They believe that round-faced people are self-confident. Prominent cheekbones show strength of character, while a pointed nose reveals curiosity. Heavy arched eyebrows belong to a decisive individual, while thin arched eyebrows signal a restless and active personality. Almond-shaped eyes reveal an artistic nature. Round, soft eyes belong to dreamers. Downturned lips reveal a proud character, while a long, pointed chin indicates someone who likes to give orders.
A related — though not as ancient — art is phrenology, the study of the bumps on the head. Phrenologists have identified 40 bumps of various shapes and sizes on the human head. They “read” these bumps to identify a person’s talents and character. For example, a bump between the nose and forehead is said to be present in people who have natural elegance and a love of beauty. A bump behind the curve of the ear is the sign of a courageous and adventurous person.
Phrenologists are not so much interested in health as they are in character and personality. They believe, for example, that a bulge in the center of the forehead is typical of people who have a good memory and a desire for knowledge. A small bump at the top of the head indicates a person who has strong moral character, while a bump just below this one is a sign of generosity and a kind, good nature. Phrenologists say a bump just above the tip of the eyebrow is found in people who love order and discipline, and a rise at the very back of the head is evident in people who are very attached to their families.
Phrenology was developed in the early eighteenth century by Franz Joseph Gall, a doctor in Vienna. His interest began at school when he noticed that boys with prominent eyes seemed to have the best memories. This led him to believe that a connection existed between appearance and ability. Dr. Gall’s research interested many people, but he was ridiculed by other doctors. When he died in 1828, he was a poor and bitter man. It was only many years later that Dr. Gall’s theories found support among some doctors and scientists, and today the art of phrenology has become more accepted.