The history of the smile

The smile; the facial expression that defines humanity

The smile is unique to humans

Chimpanzees, our ancestors, can make funny faces, but they don't smile.
No other animal has developed this feature.
We've gotten used to see smiling animals in cartoons, tv ads, computer animations, ... but that's all fiction.
Smiling is not something that you learn; you've reacted to pleasant activities by displaying a smile from day one.
But, where does this expression come from?
What is its meaning?



The origins of the smile

In the wild, showing your teeth indicates that you're ready for a fight and that you're not intimidated by the other.

Tiger showing teeth
Chimpanzee showing teeth
In nature, showing your teeth is the most aggressive expression.


The evolution of the smile: Part 1

About 30 millions years ago, in the primate family, it became a custom to show their teeth, but in a clenched position.
Two reasons have been put forward:
● Since primates are peaceful animals, presenting a non-aggressive, calm and harmless face to others kept them away from confrontational situations.
● Clenched teeth were also used as a sign of submission by individuals of a lesser rank when they met dominant members of the group.

Monkey showing teeth
Is it submission or happiness?

The expression took a different meaning for each species, but for some, such as the Barbary macaques, it came to express well-being and happiness.


The evolution of the smile: Part 2

Chimpanzees, our ancestors, are knuckle-walkers, and the mothers carry their young on their back, while they're foraging for food and going from place to place, until they're able to fend for themselves.
In fact, the closeness between the mother and the child is so great that their skins are in contact most of the time, for the first few years.

About 7 millions years ago, in the chimpanzee family, the first bipedal humans appeared.
The early human mothers were facing new problems.
With their upright standing position, the human mothers had to carry their child in their arms.
But, when they were gathering edibles, they had to put their baby on the ground.
It is thought that the babies reacted by developing a repressed cry; a smile, attempting with their face to seduce their mother and stop her from leaving them.

Smiling newborn


The evolution of the smile: Part 3

Now, the smile has been part of human culture for millions of years.
There is a direct link between your brain and your facial muscles that makes you express your happiness by smiling.
It shows your well-being and your social receptiveness.
However, who do we see smiling the most?
Children!
The lives of contemporary humans are so boring that they gradually stop smiling as they age.

Smiling kid
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
Facial expressions on children
The smile is the distinctive expression that defines humanity.

If you're not smiling, what's wrong with you?

A smile represents happiness, well-being, good humor, peace, ..., and a will to relate with others.
Aren't those the feelings you want to experience and express at all times?
Even when you're alone, you're supposed to smile most of the time.

FAMOUS SELFIE
Taken by a smiling macaque
Smiling macaque
What a charming individual!

Some will argue that their life isn't easy and that their situation and obligations make their days a drudgery.
If that is the case; change your life.
On the other hand, you could simply change your attitude towards it.
Putting a smile on your face will have a refreshing and rejuvenating effect on the way you see things.
By not smiling in society, you are depriving yourself of the best tool you have to relate with others.
Become a member of humanity; smile!

If you're not smiling; something is wrong with your life.
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