How to Tell a Gentleman from a Villain by Their Facial Features
The classical understanding of a "gentleman" (junzi) and a "petty person" (xiaoren) differs from how the terms are used today. A gentleman exemplifies righteousness and serves as a model of virtue: honest, trustworthy, selfless, and principled. By contrast, a petty person is marked by selfish, base behavior. Even without wealth, a gentleman wins people’s hearts, whereas a petty person, though he may be rich, often comes to a bad end.
In fate analysis, a gentleman is open-minded rather than stubborn, while a petty person is obstinate and lacks understanding. Accordingly, the facial features of a gentleman are said to be broad and well-defined, with a proper shape and a clear complexion, whereas a petty person has a pointed face and furrowed brows, with a crooked shape and a dark complexion.
A person's appearance is seen as a reflection of character. Honest people tend to have straight noses and square mouths, while cunning people often have sharp features. Many say you shouldn’t judge others by their looks and therefore dismiss the idea that a dignified appearance points to a gentleman and an unattractive one to a petty person. Yet this is often the case; it simply requires careful discernment. Beyond physical traits, if someone appears dignified but their spirit is overly excitable and showy, then even if their outward behavior seems good, their inner thoughts may be corrupt. Conversely, if someone looks plain or unattractive but has a reserved, focused demeanor, they are likely to achieve great things.
A person's inherent nature is reflected in the face, and while features may be set, the inner life can still change. Where one’s thoughts dwell shows in one’s expression. Some outwardly appear to be gentlemen but are petty within—hypocrites; others may look petty on the surface yet are gentlemen at heart. The principle holds both ways.
Stubbornness versus open-mindedness is a key dividing line of character and also shapes one’s destiny. Those with favorable fortunes tend to be open and adaptable, while those with obstructed fortunes are often stubborn. These two dispositions influence three important facial areas: the eyebrows and eyes, the nose, and the ears. Likewise, fortune plays a crucial role in these three.
If you wonder why you lack good fortune, first ask yourself whether you are a gentleman or a petty person, and whether you are stubborn or open-minded.