Does Our Mood Influence How We Perceive Someone's Attractiveness?
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Many internet users often wonder if cosmetic surgery can impact one's destiny. It's common to see celebrities seem to thrive in their careers after getting surgery; they become more attractive, which boosts their confidence and improves their romantic prospects. The reality is quite straightforward: modern makeup techniques can often achieve results similar to cosmetic surgery. Just observe people who regularly apply makeup and notice if their fortunes have changed.
Recently, a friend mentioned that a cosmetic surgery clinic had brought in a physiognomy expert to discuss how surgery might bring good fortune. I found this amusing because one's character influences emotions, and emotions affect appearance. Understanding one's character through their external appearance and predicting life choices based on that character is known as physiognomy. If someone alters their appearance artificially, there won't be significant changes in their life because their character stays the same. The reason celebrities often display noticeable changes after surgery is mainly that they were already famous and live in an appearance-driven era. While millions undergo surgery annually, it's rare to see ordinary individuals rise to fame after surgery—unless it's for negative outcomes.
Throughout history, beauty and unattractiveness have been distinct. But what determines appearance? Many might attribute it to genetics, yet what we see is only skin-deep; the deeper reasons remain elusive.
Below, I will guide you to understand the deeper reasons using two clues: geographical environment and historical context.
Researchers of physiognomy throughout the ages have documented the appearance traits of people from different regions in China. Generally, it's noted that people from mountainous areas tend to be less attractive compared to those from the plains, while those near water sources are more attractive than those from inland regions. People in affluent and comfortable environments often have better appearances than those in harsh conditions. When we look at photographs from the Qing Dynasty, some might say humanity has evolved, as there seemed to be a higher proportion of unattractive individuals from that era.
Analyzing these clues further, we find that harsh living conditions lead to stress, whereas favorable environments with water, fertile land, and plentiful resources produce more attractive appearances and a happier disposition. In mountainous areas, people exert themselves physically to navigate the terrain, which can lead to pronounced cheekbones. Consequently, people in northern regions, with less water and harsher climates—including North and South Korea—are generally less attractive than those from the more temperate, water-abundant southern regions. This appearance pattern has been perpetuated over generations in such environments.
In modern times, living standards are much higher than during the Qing Dynasty, so people from that era often appear unattractive to us now. Different regions always leave an imprint on the appearances of their inhabitants. However, as long as one's temperament and mood improve, their appearance will gradually enhance. Of course, this doesn't happen overnight; it takes several generations. Becoming less attractive also spans generations, just as improving appearance does. For example, a person with an unattractive appearance might invest five to ten years in self-improvement and contentment. While their children might inherit some traits, their overall appearance will be more harmonious. If the next generation continues to cultivate good character, by the following generation, you will see noticeable differences in appearance, potentially resulting in a person who, while not traditionally beautiful, has an appealing presence.
A more peaceful emotional state and gentle temperament enhance attractiveness. With fewer desires, wisdom and intelligence shine through, reflecting a certain elegance in appearance. The changes in appearance of Qi Yu, sister of singer Qi Qin, over the years serve as a perfect example.
Similarly, being good-looking doesn’t guarantee good fortune and can fade quickly. When vanity reaches its peak, the desire to please everyone with one's appearance can lead to seeking validation. I recall a Hong Kong mixed-race actress who was naturally beautiful, but due to constant dissatisfaction, she underwent unsuccessful surgeries and lost her appeal. This illustrates a formula: no matter how attractive someone is, if they start with dissatisfaction and seek to enhance their appearance further, vanity can lead to emotional struggles, ultimately risking surgery. Some may argue that successful surgery would pose no problem. However, as long as vanity remains, one surgery leads to another until failure occurs. This is determined by one's character, not external factors.
If you aspire for yourself and your descendants to be attractive, genetics cannot be ignored. However, nurturing character, enhancing personal growth, and managing emotions are crucial. Perhaps, in this lifetime, no matter how much you work on yourself, you may not become incredibly handsome or beautiful. But you can influence your descendants' looks by focusing on character and emotional well-being, encouraging future generations to become your source of pride, rather than resorting to cosmetic surgery.