Physiognomy Glossary

Bilateral Asymmetry

Bilateral asymmetry refers to the differences between the left and right sides of the face. No human face is perfectly symmetrical — everyone has some degree of asymmetry, and the pattern and degree of that asymmetry carries meaning in physiognomy and contemporary face perception research.

What is the history of bilateral asymmetry?

Physiognomy has long observed that the two sides of the face tell different stories. In both Western and Eastern traditions, the left side of the face (as viewed by the observer — which is the subject's right side) has been associated with the inner, more authentic self, while the right side reflects the social mask — the face we present to the world. Contemporary neuroscience offers a related insight: the right brain hemisphere (which controls the left side of the face) is more associated with emotional processing and authentic expression, while the left hemisphere (controlling the right side of the face) is more associated with social and linguistic behavior.

Why is bilateral asymmetry significant?

In physiognomy readings, bilateral asymmetry is analyzed for several things: the degree of difference between the sides (greater asymmetry sometimes associated with more complex inner lives), which side is more 'open' or 'guarded', and specific differences in features that carry meaning. The left eye may show something different than the right; the left corner of the mouth may curve differently than the right.

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What does facial bilateral asymmetry mean?

Facial bilateral asymmetry refers to the differences between the left and right sides of the face. In physiognomy, the left side is associated with the authentic inner self while the right side reflects the social face. The degree and pattern of asymmetry carries meaning about the complexity of a person's inner life.

Is facial asymmetry normal?

Yes. Perfect facial symmetry is extremely rare. Everyone has some degree of bilateral asymmetry. Research in evolutionary biology suggests that the degree of facial symmetry correlates with developmental stability, while physiognomy is more interested in what the specific pattern of asymmetry reveals about character.

What does left-right facial difference indicate?

In physiognomy, the left side of the face (your right, from the subject's perspective) reveals the inner authentic self. The right side reflects the social presentation. When there is significant difference between the two sides, it may indicate a meaningful gap between how someone presents and who they genuinely are.

References

Leslie Zebrowitz, Reading Faces: Window to the Soul?, Westview Press, 1997.
Alexander Todorov, Face Value, Princeton University Press, 2017.

Marcus Cyrus
Founder of Attainment. Drawing on primary sources from the classical physiognomy tradition (Aristotle, Lavater, della Porta) and contemporary face perception research (Todorov, Zebrowitz).

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