The Human FaceThe Human Face tells the fascinating story of our most familiar features. We embark on an intriguing and unique journey of self-discovery, exploring the evolutionary, social, and psychological aspects of the face. Why do we have a face? There are six billion human faces and yet we instantly recognize faces that we know. The face is the key to identity, both for ourselves and others. How is it that this small part of us can be such an immediate and effective way to define who we are? Humans have only seven universally recognized facial expressions: anger, fear, happiness, sadness, disgust, surprise, and contempt, and yet it is estimated that we can make about 7,000 discreet expressions. How do we read expressions? And how can we hide our true feelings when they are written on our faces without our even knowing? Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder? All over the world people seem to agree on which faces are beautiful. What is the relationship between facial beauty and sexual attractiveness? And is our concern with personal appearance just about looking good? Is vanity the result of a harmless need to fit in -- or are there other subconscious motives at work? Why are we so obsessed with the famous faces of actors and entertainers? Is it only a matter of media hype, or are there deeper reasons for our fascination? The Human Face reveals that knowing how the face has developed, what it can do, and what it means, is a way of understanding who we are. Beautifully illustrated with striking photography, this book will give you a new insight into human nature and the naked truth behind your facial features. |
Common terms and phrases
actors adults amygdala ancestors ancient animals appearance aspects babies basic expressions beautiful face become behaviour biological blink body brain cent centimetres character chin close-up colour communication Conodont consciously creature culture developed disgust Ekman emotions evolution evolutionary evolved eye contact eyebrows Face Perception face recognition facial attractiveness facial expressions fame famous faces fashion feel film genes Greta Garbo Gwyneth Paltrow hair head nods Hollywood human face icons identify identity inbuilt infants interaction John Cleese John Gottman Julia Roberts kiss Leonardo DiCaprio lips lives London look make-up male mammals masking smile mate Max Factor means Megazostrodon melanin mirror Mobius syndrome mouth muscles normal nose Opposite ourselves partners Paul Ekman people's person photographs physical attractiveness Pikaia Prosopagnosia recognize reflection response reveal shaman skin Social Psychology someone sometimes stare stars story symmetry teeth tribal vanity Wodaabe women young