The Inner and Outer Aspects Influencing Life's Destiny

In Chinese philosophy, the understanding of life begins with concrete action. It moves from the external to the internal, laying the groundwork for early medical theory, and then from the internal back to the external, giving rise to the study of physiognomy.

This interplay between a person’s inner and outer aspects influences many fields, forming the basis of Chinese physiognomy as well as ancient Chinese sociology and psychology.

In summary, the inner essence consists of the five qualities, while the outer expression is shown through the five spirits. A person’s inner being—organs, muscles, skin, and blood—when robust, gives rise to an outward look of vitality and energy. These principles are drawn from nature: things develop in form, and where there is form, there is spirit; where there is an inner aspect, there is also an outer aspect, and vice versa.

The core of one’s nature lies in spirit. A person’s character—whether simple or complex, steady or pure—shows in the spirit, which serves as the inner foundation shaping one’s demeanor.

Brightness and dimness are rooted in essence. They can be understood as the state of the energy within us. Whether this energy is strong or weak shows whether a person is replenishing or depleting themselves, and this is reflected in their essence. Essence is the source of energy and spirit and can be understood as vitality.

A person’s strength or weakness is reflected in the muscles. In Chinese thought, muscles are more than anatomy; they express inner force. When someone is courageous, it is said their veins bulge, indicating vigor. Supple muscles and agile limbs signal courage, while clumsiness suggests timidity.

Strength and weakness reside in the bones. Bones are the foundation of life; differences in strength among individuals lead to different destinies. Bones have distinct forms and may be coarse or fine. Some characteristics are innate, while others are shaped by external factors. Innate bone structure is predetermined, including the growth process in childhood, while external influences—such as whether one follows through on tasks and one’s style of action—significantly affect bone formation, especially before puberty.

The contrast between restlessness and tranquility lies in the state of energy, which relates to emotional regulation. When energy flows smoothly, one is calm; when it is blocked, one may become volatile. The cultivation of health emphasizes a peaceful mind and settled energy, and medicine likewise advocates tranquility in nurturing well-being. All of this aims to keep a person’s energy balanced, which also bears on destiny; the marks of fate are connected to energy.

The line between despair and sound choice shows in color. Color arises from the blood and reflects a person’s internal state. A healthy complexion signals overall well-being, supporting better choices and judgment; a poor complexion can foreshadow misfortune.

Decline shows in one’s bearing, and attitude appears in one’s features. Whether a person is thriving or declining, upright or corrupt, greedy or restrained—these traits manifest in the face. For example, envy of high school standouts can surface years later in one’s expressions, especially under adult social pressures. Complexion, the look in the eyes, and facial bearing reveal deep shifts in one’s stance toward life.

This overview is quite comprehensive, especially regarding the inner order of life, destiny, and existence—areas researched in depth in China nearly a thousand years before similar studies in the West.