Introduction
In a world where we're constantly bombarded with information, the ability to quickly understand and connect with others is more valuable than ever. Enter the ancient art of face reading, a practice that has existed for millennia across cultures and continents. Eric Standop's book "Read the Face" offers a fascinating journey into this timeless skill, providing readers with insights that can enhance their personal and professional lives.
Standop's journey into face reading began on a beach in South Africa, where a chance encounter transformed him from a skeptic to a believer. Driven by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, he traveled the world, studying under masters in various countries and eventually earning the title of sifu, an accomplished Chinese master reader.
This book summary will take you through the key ideas presented in "Read the Face," offering a window into how face reading can help you find clarity in your career, relationships, and health. We'll explore the history of face reading, delve into different methods and principles, and examine how various facial features can reveal insights about a person's character, talents, and even health.
The History of Face Reading
Face reading has a rich and complex history, dating back thousands of years. It has been identified in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and South American carvings, showcasing its widespread presence across different civilizations. In Europe, the practice can be traced back to the fifth century BC, with the oldest surviving book on the subject, Physiognomonics, often attributed to the Greek philosopher Aristotle.
Aristotle's ideas about the connection between personality traits and physical features spread across the Middle East and India, thanks to Alexander the Great's conquests. However, the practice has experienced periods of both popularity and disfavor throughout history.
During medieval Europe, face reading became associated with fortune-telling and fell out of grace. The Renaissance saw further skepticism, with figures like Leonardo da Vinci rejecting it as lacking scientific foundation. However, the seventeenth century brought a revival of interest, thanks to the works of English physician Sir Thomas Browne.
The eighteenth century saw further developments, with Swiss theologian Johann Kaspar Lavater producing a comprehensive encyclopedia on the subject. Charles Darwin's work in the nineteenth century also contributed to the field, theorizing that humans and animals share universal facial expressions.
In the mid-nineteenth century, Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso incorporated classical principles and Darwin's theories into his new field of criminology, although some of his claims, such as left-handedness being a sign of villainy, are now considered dubious.
The early twentieth century saw a decline in the popularity of face reading in the West as new medical technologies gained prominence. However, in Asia, particularly in China, face reading has remained a recognized discipline for thousands of years, tracing its roots back to the philosopher Lao Tzu, a contemporary of Confucius.
Despite a brief ban during China's Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s, face reading has since been revived in China. Today, the Chinese practice of face reading is considered the gold standard for many face readers, including Standop himself.
Face Reading Methods and Principles
While there are numerous face reading methods, certain basic principles remain constant across different approaches. Standop combines Chinese face reading methods, or Mien Shiang, with European and South American techniques in his practice. Regardless of the specific method used, he adheres to several guiding principles:
Face reading is not fortune-telling. While skilled readers can interpret the past, they use this information to understand the present, not predict the future.
There are no "good" or "bad" traits. Every characteristic is simply helpful or not-so-helpful, influenced by an individual's experiences.
Each side of the face represents different aspects of a person. The right side, connected to the left brain, reflects consciousness, logic, and material objects. The left side represents the subconscious, dreams, and creativity.
The eyes and mouth provide the most information. These features are highly dynamic and flexible due to their direct link to the brain.
Some of the face reading methods discussed in the book include:
The Three Zones Method
This Chinese method divides the face into distinct zones, each indicating a different personality trait.
The Eight Regions Method
In this approach, regions above the mouth relate to various aspects of life, including ambition, career, prosperity, friendship, parents, health, power, and love.
The Palaces of Luck Method
This system divides the face into 12 areas, or palaces, corresponding to the houses of the Chinese zodiac. The locations and meanings of these palaces can vary depending on where the face reader studied.
The Narrative Method
This approach uses facial features as metaphors, connecting them to tell a story. For example, the chin might be referred to as the South Mountain and the forehead as the North Mountain.
The Five Elements Method
This system incorporates the five elements of Chinese culture: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are used to organize and understand various aspects of life, including personality traits.
The Face Shapes Method
This is the method Standop relies on most heavily, and it forms a significant part of his face reading practice.
Face Shapes and Their Meanings
The Face Shapes Method is based on the observation and categorization of ten basic face shapes thousands of years ago. However, significant historical shifts have changed human character – and consequently, face shapes – over time. Standop estimates that only about 30 percent of people still have a "pure" face shape, while 45 percent have two combined shapes, 15 percent have three, and 5 to 10 percent have four or more shapes.
It's important to note that no face shape is inherently better or worse than others. Each shape comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Here are four of the most common face shapes and their associated characteristics:
The Jade Face
- Wide forehead
- Rounded chin
- Full lips
- Delicate nose
- Seductive gaze
- Charismatic personality
- Generally positive outlook
- Good at making friends
- May struggle when feeling minimized
The King Face
- Angular features
- Prominent chin, cheekbones, and forehead
- Small eyes
- Full lower lip
- Natural leaders
- Protective of those in their care
- May struggle as followers
- Can excel in business if following a "higher king"
The Fire Face
- Wide forehead
- Pointed chin
- Passionate nature
- Desire to love and be loved
- High self-expectations
- Often experiences self-doubt
The Tree Face
- Long, wide face
- U-shaped line from mouth corners to chin
- Reliable and independent
- Enjoys being surrounded by people
- May struggle with emotional connections
People with combinations of face shapes can exhibit a mixture of characteristics associated with each shape. Those with three face shapes may feel confused about their identity and misunderstood, but they can also adapt easily to different situations. Individuals with four or more shapes are known as Masters of Masks. While they're receptive to almost anyone, they often have difficulty recognizing their true selves.
The Eyes and Mouth: Windows to the Soul
While the overall face shape provides valuable information, specific features like the eyes and mouth can reveal even more about a person's character and emotional state.
The Eyes
The eyes are often referred to as the windows to the soul, and for good reason. They play a crucial role in communication and attraction, and their direct connection to the brain via the optic nerves makes them a rich source of information for face readers.
Some aspects of the eyes that face readers pay attention to include:
The sclera (white part of the eye): Visibility below the iris may indicate exhaustion or an overactive imagination. Visibility above the iris could suggest negative emotions, anger, or fear. Visibility both above and below might point to hyperactivity or hypersensitivity.
Pupils: Large pupils often indicate an open and sympathetic person, while small pupils may suggest a worrier who has difficulty relaxing. Pupils of different sizes could be a sign of severe pain, with the larger pupil on the painful side of the body.
Eye spacing: A narrow distance between the eyes may indicate a focused individual.
Eye protrusion: Protruding eyes could be a sign of a thyroid disorder.
Eye depth: Deep-set eyes are often associated with reluctance to show true emotions.
The Mouth
The mouth is another feature directly connected to the brain and is used for what Standop calls "the three C's: creativity, communication, and kissing." Face readers examine various aspects of the mouth, including:
Size: A large mouth often indicates an extrovert, while a small mouth suggests an introvert.
Lip fullness: Full lips are often a sign of someone who is open about their feelings and experiences, and who expects the same in return. Thin lips may indicate a more private nature.
Mouth corners: Downturned corners can denote a gloomy or pessimistic nature, while upturned corners suggest a more cheerful, carefree attitude.
The "Second Face": What Your Hands Reveal
In addition to facial features, face readers also pay attention to what they consider the "second face" – the hands. The complexity of hand structure, with 27 bones and 33 muscles, makes them highly expressive and sensitive.
Chirology, the study of hands, originated in India and has been considered a serious science for much of history, despite a brief ban by the Catholic Church. Face readers don't read palms like fortune-tellers, but they do use the hand's shape and movement to gain insights into personality.
There are four recognized basic hand shapes, each associated with different personality traits:
Earth Hands
- Wide and square
- Well-defined lines
- Thick fingers, as long as the palm or shorter
- Associated with hard workers, well-organized and determined individuals
Air Hands
- Square palm
- Deep lines
- Long, thin fingers
- Indicates a dynamic and vibrant person who can easily become bored
- Often more logical than emotional
Fire Hands
- Rectangular shape
- Tangled lines
- Short fingers
- Associated with warm-hearted extroverts
- Often passionate, popular, tolerant, and honest
Water Hands
- Oval palms
- Orderly lines
- Long fingers that are rounded or curved
- Indicates lovers of music, art, and nature
- Sensitive and curious individuals
- May be prone to mood swings
Understanding hand shapes can provide additional insights into a person's character and complement the information gleaned from facial features.
Discovering Life Purpose and Innate Talents
One of the most intriguing aspects of face reading is its potential to reveal insights about a person's life purpose and innate talents. Standop believes that everyone has a unique purpose on Earth, and that facial features can provide clues about what an individual's personality is best suited for.
Determining someone's life purpose through face reading is a complex task. It involves identifying abstract components of personality, understanding how to utilize innate gifts, and considering potential obstacles. The goal is to see how a person can maximize their potential.
Along with life purpose, we all have talents that can guide us in pursuing pleasure and accomplishment. People who succeed in using their talents to fulfill their life purpose are often the happiest.
Some examples of talents that can be identified through face reading include:
Effective communication: Represented by wide, full-lipped mouths. People with this talent are often good at inspiring others and might thrive in careers like journalism or public relations.
Numerical aptitude: Suggested by a grid of lines on the forehead. This doesn't necessarily translate to mathematical genius but can include methodical or structured tendencies.
Manual dexterity: Indicated by Earth hands, which are typical of craftsmen and those who excel at working with their hands.
Creativity: Can be seen in various facial features and may manifest in different ways, from artistic pursuits to innovative problem-solving.
Compassion and imagination: Often indicated by long eyelashes, large eyes, and big pupils.
Understanding these talents and how they relate to life purpose can be transformative. Standop shares an example of a successful French butcher who was experiencing severe depression despite having a seemingly perfect life. Through face reading, Standop identified that while the man was using his talent for working with his hands in his profession, his compassionate nature (revealed by his eyes) made him uncomfortable with killing animals.
Moreover, the butcher's creative side wasn't being fully expressed through his work with food, as the results of his labor were temporary. By encouraging the butcher to explore other creative outlets, such as pottery, Standop helped him find a more fulfilling path that aligned with his innate talents and life purpose.
Face Reading and Health Diagnosis
Face reading has been used for centuries as a diagnostic tool in various medical traditions. In the West, this practice can be traced back to Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," who was the first in his field to treat illnesses as biological ailments rather than spiritual influences.
In India, the Ayurvedic practice of face mapping has been used for 5,000 years, while in China, face reading forms a crucial part of traditional Chinese medicine. However, it's important to note that mastering diagnostic face reading is extremely complex and takes years of practice to interpret the face's nuanced features correctly.
Standop advises against self-diagnosis and recommends consulting a qualified health professional who specializes in both conventional and alternative medicine. Nevertheless, the face can reveal remarkable information about someone's physical and mental health.
Some examples of health insights that can be gleaned from face reading include:
Eye color changes: Standop shares a personal anecdote about his eye color changing from green to blue after adjusting his diet and incorporating detoxes, indicating a reduction in body acidity.
Colon health: Blood vessels on the chin and a red, horizontal wrinkle between the chin and lower lip can indicate inflammation in the lower part of the body, particularly the colon.
Back pain: Classic signs include lines across the bridge of the nose.
Calcium deficiency: Can be indicated by a horizontal line between the upper lip and nose, accompanied by drooping jowls and a pale, ashy complexion.
While these observations can be valuable, it's crucial to remember that face reading should complement, not replace, modern medical diagnostics and treatments.
Love and Relationships Through the Lens of Face Reading
While physical attraction often begins with features like eyes and lips, finding the right partner for a lasting relationship requires compatibility in character and values. Face reading can provide insights into these aspects of compatibility.
In addition to analyzing individual facial features, face readers conducting a joint reading for a couple will observe:
- Mirrored movements
- Interactions between partners
- Displays of affection
These observations can reveal a lot about the dynamics of a relationship and potential areas for improvement.
Standop shares an example of a New York couple he worked with – a Dragon-Faced wife and a Tree-Faced husband. The wife's Dragon Face indicated a strong personality with a mixture of King, Jade, and Fire qualities, while the husband's Tree Face suggested a more subdued nature.
Despite their 20-year relationship losing its spark, Standop observed that their connection was still strong. He advised them on strategies to rekindle their relationship based on their facial characteristics:
- The Dragon-faced wife, being a natural problem solver, was encouraged to initiate new experiences in the relationship.
- The Tree-faced husband, being more inflexible and passive, was likely to respond positively to his wife's initiatives.
By understanding and working with their innate tendencies, as revealed by their facial features, the couple was able to find a path to reconnecting and reinvigorating their relationship.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Face Reading
As we've explored throughout this summary, face reading is a multifaceted skill that can provide valuable insights into various aspects of life, from career and health to relationships and personal growth. While it's not a substitute for professional advice or modern diagnostic tools, it can offer a unique perspective that complements other forms of assessment and self-discovery.
Some key takeaways from "Read the Face" include:
Face reading is an ancient practice with a rich history across cultures, combining elements of art and science.
Different face shapes and features can provide clues about personality traits, strengths, and potential challenges.
The eyes and mouth are particularly informative features, offering insights into emotions, communication styles, and even health.
Hands, considered the "second face," can reveal additional information about a person's character and aptitudes.
Face reading can help identify life purpose and innate talents, potentially guiding individuals towards more fulfilling paths.
While face reading can offer health insights, it should be used in conjunction with, not in place of, professional medical advice.
In relationships, face reading can provide a unique perspective on compatibility and strategies for improved communication and connection.
As you consider the insights offered by face reading, it's worth reflecting on how you're perceived by others. We all unconsciously read faces every day, which means our own faces are being read too. Think about the impression you want to make and how you're likely being perceived. Consider how elements like your style, hairstyle, walk, and behavior around others might affect others' perceptions of you.
Ultimately, the art of face reading offers a fascinating lens through which to view ourselves and others. While it shouldn't be treated as an exact science, it can provide valuable insights that, when combined with other forms of knowledge and intuition, can help us navigate our personal and professional lives with greater understanding and empathy.
Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the ideas presented in "Read the Face" invite us to look more closely at the people around us and perhaps discover hidden depths in the faces we encounter every day. In doing so, we might just unlock new levels of understanding, both of ourselves and of the rich tapestry of humanity that surrounds us.