Understanding Heritage and Self-Reliance: Lao Yi's Insights on 'The Divine Mirror of Ma Yi: The Ode of the Supernatural'

In our previous issue, we focused on the saying "Shoulders droop and tears flow, if not poor then lonely," which suggests that drooping shoulders often signify loneliness and hardship. To read more, click here. In this issue, we explore the saying "A low nose bridge indicates either poverty or early demise." This implies that individuals with a low nose bridge are often associated with poverty and lack of achievements. Let's delve deeper into this topic.

In physiognomy, the nose bridge extends from the root of the nose to the tip. Both genetic and environmental factors can influence its height. Physiognomy places a significant emphasis on genetic traits when assessing fortune. If a low nose bridge results from an injury later in life, it should not be judged unfavorably. It's also important to note regional differences; for example, Europeans and Americans typically have higher nose bridges than Asians. Thus, universal standards don't apply, and ideally, a nose bridge should be moderate in height and not overly prominent.

Ancient beliefs suggest that people with a low nose bridge may be perceived as lazy, with limited ambition and aspirations. Career-wise, they often stick to routines and achieve relatively little. Additionally, they may have less vitality and a weak ancestral base, which means they need to rely on their own efforts and may not benefit much from family inheritance.

In contrast, individuals with a high nose bridge often display strong ambition, determination, and a willingness to take on challenges. They tend to be suited for careers in military or pioneering roles.

However, evaluating one's fortune also involves considering the cheekbones and overall facial structure. A high nose bridge alone doesn't guarantee success, nor does a low one imply mediocrity. Being proactive or content with the status quo is a personal lifestyle choice, and finding joy in a stable life is equally valuable.

Therefore, a moderately high nose bridge, harmoniously aligned with other facial features, is considered ideal. If the nose bridge is excessively low and creates a disjointed appearance with the eyes, it may indicate career struggles for men and turbulent marriages for women.