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 principal 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.
[Illustration: 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 sex, 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.
MOUTHS
The Orientals have a proverb which runs as follows: "By a man's eyes,
know what he might have been, or may be; by his mouth, knew what he has
been, and is." The study of the mouth is one of the greatest interest,
and one which will richly repay one for his time and thought. It will be
noticed that there is a great difference between the mouth and lips of
an individual in childhood, in youth, and in middle-age, which fact
shows the truth of the Oriental proverb just quoted. The mouth indeed
shows what a man has been and is.
_Small mouths_ generally denote undeveloped, childish, or babyish
character, neither good nor bad.
_Large mouths_ denote matured character, good or bad. When firm, they
denote force and energy. When half-open, they denote dullness and
heaviness. When showing full protruding lips, they denote sensuality and
selfish passions and tastes. When very large and flexible, they denote
the "windy" person who is fond of talking and hearing the sound of his
own voice--when one says that another is "big-mouthed" he states a truth
which physiognomy bears out.
An _upward curve_ of the corners of the mouth, denotes a cheerful,
optimistic disposition and mental attitude. Likewise, a _downward curve_
denotes a despondent, pessimistic disposition and mental attitude. A
graceful bow-like curve, shows a well-balanced and "all around"
disposition.
_Tightly closed lips_ indicate a firmness, and often a "closeness" of
disposition. _Loosely closed lips_ indicate a lack of firmness, and
often a spendthrift tendency. _Lips that touch lightly and protrude
slightly_ in a "kiss-like" shape, indicate vanity, love of praise and
flattery, and often a desire to be petted.
_Puffed-out lips_ indicate sloth, dullness, lack of energy and ambition,
general heaviness. _Coarse lips_ indicate lack of refinement, and often
grossness. _Particularly full lips_ indicate Amativeness and sometimes
Sensuality.
_Slanting mouths_ indicate trickiness, "foxiness" and general
unreliability. _Crooked mouths_, or mouths greatly out of symmetry, are
held by many authorities to indicate lack of Conscientiousness, and
often criminal tendencies.
_Full, red, middle-lips_ indicate love of the opposite sex. _Thin, pale
middle-lips_ denote the opposite traits.
_A long upper-lip_ indicates Self-Esteem. _A short upper-lip_ denotes
deficient Self-Esteem, but often also a strong Approbativeness. (John D.
Rockefeller has an almost abnormally long upper lip.)
The affectionate faculties are believed to manifest in outer form in the
center of the lips, because of certain nerve centers at that place. A
fullness and enlargement there denotes strong affection, while
deficiency in the affectionate qualities manifest in the opposite
direction.
Will and self-control is shown by the relative firmness and "set" of the
lips and mouth.
Besides the above mentioned characteristics, the student will soon
perceive that there are certain "expressions" of the lips and mouth
which, although impossible of expression in words, nevertheless may be
almost instinctively recognized by the careful observer. Lips, like
eyes, tell their story plainly to the careful and practiced observer. It
is a safe rule to _avoid those whose mouths arouse an instinctive
distrust in your mind_. Watch closely the mouths of people speaking to
you, and you will receive many a plain signal of danger, and many an
assurance of safety. The eyes, while full of information, often deceive
those not fully versed in their secret code--but the mouth tells its
tale in plain, simple, understandable terms, signs and symbols.