Looking Good Equals Success

A LONG TIME AGO I recall hearing about a study conducted by, I believe it was Harvard, as usual, concerning the relationship between people's hight, and their income level. It turns out that there is a very discernable correlation between the two seemingly unrelated metrics. For every inch in height, a person earns an extra six hundred dollars a year, according to the study. And this was a long time ago, so, the extra income is probably much greater now. I recall drawing myself up to my full five feet six inch height, and frowning. How unfair! How shallow and arbitrary! Can it really be that human beings are so hard wired to behave in such an unconsciously bizarre and predictable manner? As if we are controlled by pervasive evolutionary forces over which we have no conscious control? It can, and, we are assured, it is. Taller people get farther in life, economically, and, in general, in probably every other way. Although this all sounds like one of those "only in America moments", of which there are so many, and which we all love so dearly, this behavorial phenomenon appears fundamentally human. Platform shoes and high heels all around! But from there the news only gets worse, and stranger. Pretty people do better income-ically too. the prettier the person, the greater the financial rewards appreciatvely bestowed by greater society. What, exactly, is pretty? Well, among people, its probably symmetry of features, first and foremost. One's eyebrows must be a certain distance apart,in relation to the breadth of one's nose. Also, being attractive means being young, or young in appearance, relative to one's age. And don't forget the good complexion, and straight white teeth. No wonder we Americans spend more on cosmetic surgery than cancer research, and more on make up than eye research. Deep down, we all want to be pretty, because we all want to be rich. Let the fade cream and teeth whitener fly off the retail shelves of the world! Now we can all be wealthier; we know the secret. To have a successful life, filled with rewards and benefits from others in a world which appreciates beauty: forget aobut education, personality, and intelligence. Just be tall, and good looking.