What Is Life Like for People Born with Prominent Ears?

According to physiognomy, the ears are the "organs of hearing," and among the five organs, the kidneys correspond to the ears. Classic texts say: "Ears set close to the head indicate worry-free wealth; ears resting on the 'mountain' protect the family estate; ears that face forward suggest selling off land; indistinct ears make it hard to preserve family assets; ears whiter than the face bring renown in all directions; irregular ears point to a disorderly life."

Ears that face forward are commonly called "protruding ears." So what does this trait signify?

In physiognomy, ears do not determine wealth or poverty so much as a person's happiness and innate wisdom. Ears that lie close to the back of the head are considered the most standard shape, and ears that sit level with the eyebrows are also ideal.

Unfavorable ear types include small ears, thin ears, drooping ears, ears that look gray or black, pointed ears without lobes, and ears whose outer rim does not cover the inner ear. Ears that are too narrow are also considered inauspicious.

• People with protruding ears often struggle to inherit a family business; even if they do, they may sell assets and strike out on their own.
• Because ears are said to represent one's hometown and traditional occupations, those with protruding ears may find career success away from home.
• Individuals with protruding ears tend to be outgoing, speak their minds, and share their joys and sorrows with friends rather than keeping things to themselves.
• The left ear represents the father; a protruding left ear may signal a weaker connection with the father and work far from home. The right ear represents the mother; when the right ear sits close to the head, the bond with the mother is strong and regular care is possible. In general, people with protruding ears often find their fathers are less robust than their mothers.
• People with protruding ears are usually not content with the status quo; they are more aggressive in pursuit of goals and can have a strong temper.

Summary of the Fate of Protruding Ears

In physiognomy, many traditional texts regard protruding ears as a sign of decline, suggesting poverty or low status. Yet in real life, many successful people with protruding ears achieve both fame and wealth. Why is that? This puzzled me at first. Later I noticed that those who succeed with protruding ears often have slender builds, long faces, or faces that are narrow above and wider below—typical of wood or fire types.

Why aren't wood and fire types hindered by protruding ears? In the Five Elements, "wood" evokes trees: when wind hits a tree, only a large, sturdy tree stands out in the forest. The same idea applies to "fire." "Protruding" suggests exposure rather than concealment; the more a flame is exposed, the stronger it burns, while a smothered flame dwindles like a small stove fire. Note, too, that many celebrities with protruding ears have well-defined ears that are long or wide and appear thick.

Thus, even for those with protruding ears, wood and fire types are not necessarily disadvantaged, but there are strict expectations for the ears' contour, size, and thickness. I have met many people who, despite clearly being wood or fire types with seemingly auspicious protruding ears, had small or irregular ears and ended up with less-than-ideal lives.

Overall, in physiognomy, for wood and fire types, even if the ears protrude, as long as the ears are large, broad, and thick with intact contours, they can be auspicious rather than inauspicious. Protruding ears may attract jealousy or bring various challenges; such people are often very perceptive, quick to receive news, and prone to gossip, yet they may find it hard to save money or keep a business steady.

A typical example is actress Liang Luoshi, whose ears are large and sit above brow level. Such protruding ears symbolize wealth and fame, but their upward angle, combined with her square forehead, is said to challenge marital harmony.

Another example is Taiwan's Mr. Wang Yongqing, who also had protruding ears. He spent his life in business and ultimately built a vast family enterprise.