Beware of the Look! Lao Yi Guides You Through 'The Divine Mirror of Ma Yi: Ode to the Supernatural'

In the previous article, titled "Long Eyes and Colorful Brows: Signs of Future Greatness," we explored the idea that individuals with long eyes and colorful brows are seen as intelligent and resourceful. (You can click here to view the previous article.) In this issue, we will focus on "Short and Dim Eyes: A Guest Destined for the Underworld." What does this phrase imply? How can it be interpreted and applied in modern times? I will provide a detailed explanation below.
What exactly does "short and dim eyes" mean? It refers to eyes lacking a steady light where both the whites and irises appear murky and lackluster. When someone's eyes look dull and devoid of vigor, they can be described as having "short and dim eyes."
In ancient physiognomy, individuals with short and dim eyes were thought to have a shorter lifespan. In those times, reaching the age of 60 was considered long-lived, while dying before 30 was regarded as short-lived. The reasons for these beliefs included the poor medical conditions and outdated technology of the past. Additionally, many people, particularly commoners, suffered from malnutrition due to monotonous diets, leading to nutritional imbalances. Furthermore, intense labor with minimal yield accelerated aging in ancient societies.
In today's world, when we observe someone with short and dim eyes, it is often an indicator of poor health. However, it's important not to hastily conclude that they will have a short lifespan. Modern medical advancements allow those with poor health or certain health issues to maintain their health and potentially extend their lifespan through medication and advanced treatments. Therefore, using this observation to determine lifespan is not accurate in contemporary society.

Apart from physical health issues, habits such as irregular routines, frequent late nights, and excessive physical strain can also cause the eyes to appear dull and lacking vitality. This certainly indicates some degree of physical strain. In modern society, seeing someone with short and dim eyes often suggests that their physical and mental energy are depleted, potentially to a breaking point, with their heart struggling to cope.
Those with short and dim eyes should pay extra attention to their health and well-being. Whether for leisure or work, it is crucial to maintain a balance between work and rest, adhering to a regular schedule and healthy diet to avoid excessive bodily stress, which could lead to irreversible damage.