Micro Expressions
This discovery of non-verbal human tells is from Dr. Paul Eckman. The concept is that while we may be feeling a base emotion, we may be simultaneously masking that emotion. Think of the powerful influence of manners, or just being nice. Eckman asserts, though, that true emotions can punch through the patina of being nice, or stoic, or feigning interest. These flashes of truth are called micro expressions because they often happen in one thirtieth of a second.
Unlike language used to express emotions, micro expressions are universal regardless the culture. In fact, Eckman's research discovered that primates and other mammals have universal signals for emotion. For humans these emotions are identified as happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise disgust and contempt.
Of all the micro expressions contempt is the only asymmetrical display. It's defining characteristic - the curled lip raised to one side, the eyes vacant in expression.
Unlike language used to express emotions, micro expressions are universal regardless the culture. In fact, Eckman's research discovered that primates and other mammals have universal signals for emotion. For humans these emotions are identified as happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise disgust and contempt.
Of all the micro expressions contempt is the only asymmetrical display. It's defining characteristic - the curled lip raised to one side, the eyes vacant in expression.
Contempt is an evacuation of conscience. When one is evaluated in contempt, their value ceases. When one is contemptuous they're above the obligation of morality, superior to their subject, perpetuated by thoughts that do not consider their subject's value. Contempt can breed vengeance, an escalated emotion common to threatening behavior.
