What Affects Your Appearance?
Across humanity, appearances vary widely. While we all share basic facial features—face, ears, nose, mouth, eyes, eyebrows, and forehead—the details differ, giving each person a unique look. This raises the question: why do appearances differ, and how do these differences come about? This article explores several influences.
1. Influence of Natural Environment
Every region has its own geography—mountains, rivers, climate, flora and fauna, and terrain. As a result, people from different areas often display traits shaped by their natural environment. For example, those living at higher altitudes tend to have higher nasal bridges, but that does not mean everyone from such regions is destined for good fortune. Conversely, people from lower-lying areas may have flatter faces and broader noses, yet this does not imply they will achieve nothing in life. People from rugged terrains may show more pronounced bone structure, but it does not mean they are all doomed. Appearance is often hereditary, with ancestral traits playing a significant role. These inherited traits are further influenced by local environmental factors, which are a major influence. If a family relocates and remains in a new place for three or four generations, their appearance will gradually adapt to the new environment. Even Europeans who move inland may exhibit flatter noses and broader faces after several generations.
2. Influence of Family Environment
Our parents give us life, and we inherit traits from our parents and grandparents to varying degrees. Parental habits can influence a child’s appearance; the conduct of parents helps shape the arrangement of their children’s features and certain details. Without delving into specific behaviors, we can broadly speak of good and bad deeds, which are said to be reflected directly in the fortunes of descendants. Three generations steeped in wrongdoing are likely to produce unfortunate appearances, while three generations of virtuous conduct are said to result in favorable, noble features. Qualities such as intelligence, resilience, social status, and wealth are also reflected in one’s appearance. Many people are dissatisfied with their looks and blame their parents, which is misguided: it is not solely the fault of one generation, but the influence of several. We can only focus on the present and strive to improve for the sake of future generations.
3. Influence of Social Environment
This relates to one’s worldview, which is shaped by both family and society. The people you spend time with, the activities you pursue, and the friends or partners you choose are all influenced by your social environment. These forces ultimately shape your worldview; and once it is established, your appearance may also become more fixed. For instance, someone might have a round face in their teens but develop a squarer or longer face by their thirties, as choices guided by their worldview influence the course of their life and destiny.
4. Influence of Correcting Habits
Personal habits change at different stages of life. In childhood, parental guidance plays a role; in school, teachers influence us; and in adulthood, self-discipline becomes key. These stages form different habits that are closely tied to the ups and downs of fate. For example, a student may perform well in middle school without bad habits, but upon reaching college, they may indulge in various negative behaviors and lose self-control, which can lead to changes in appearance during these stages. Some people make many mistakes in youth, resulting in harsher features and a life filled with challenges. However, if they sincerely repent, correct harmful habits, do good deeds, and make amends, their appearance may transform into one of kindness and good fortune in later years.