How good are you at reading faces?

This is a small segment from our weekly literature program, Ink&Quill.

Written by cognitive psychologist Hua Sha, the science book "Kan Lian", translating into "Read the Face" in English,was selected by China Book Review Society as the Best Book of the Month in November, 2016.  [Cover: Courtesy of Hua Sha]

From birth onwards, we encounter thousands, even tens of thousands of people. By looking at someone's face, we recognize them, identify them, and make our own judgement. To a great extent, facial features make us decide whether someone is attractive, trustworthy or intelligent. 

But what exactly could a face tell us?

To find out the answers, in this small batch of Ink&Quill, our reporter Shiyu goes to cognitive psychologist Hua Sha. His popular science book "Kan Lian", literarily meaning "Read the Face" in English, was selected by China Book Review Society as the Best Book of the Month in November, 2016. 

The man in the photo might look like any other average Joe we encounter on the street. But if you take a closer look, his face is actually a combination of facial features from Gordon Brown and David Cameron, both former British Prime Ministers. [Photo: Courtesy of Hua Sha]

The topics they discuss include but are not limited to:  

• What is the so-called "face blindness"? 

• Is judging others by appearance a human instinct?  

• Can our pets detect our emotions?  

• What kind of person are regarded as being attractive?   

• Is the TV show "Lie to Me" scientifically accurate?  

• And much, much more!