Eye of the beholder?

Ever wondered if being beautiful would give you a head start in life? Or if being ‘pug-ugly’ gets in the way of wealth and happiness? Well, you’re right, according to this excellent article from The Economist. Particularly if you live in China, where a woman who’s been hit with the ugly stick can expect a 31% smaller salary. The effect in North America is less pronounced, a mere 6%, which still isn’t all that brilliant. The glass is definitely more full for those who are easy on the eye, as they get between 4 and 10 percent more money just for being pretty. And all because of an assumption that symmetry means beauty. Because of The Economist’s allergy to bylines, I can’t say who the article is by. But it’s well worth a read and worthy of a link. Enjoy.

PS This illustration is from the article online - it’s by Brett Rayder and I think it’s a bit brilliant. It bizarrely made me want to read the article more…