It was announced this week that, due to a “scientific” study, actor Robert Pattinson has been declared the world’s most handsome man. Yes, there’s an actual science behind physical beauty.
The research study, conducted by cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Julian De Silva focused on The Golden Ratio of Beauty Phi, which measures physical perfection. According to Dr. De Silva’s findings, using this particular formula, Pattison scored a whopping 92.15%.
Nicely done, Rob. “Bella” would be super proud of her choice of vampire. But seriously, who created this mechanism to measure a concept that can’t even conceivably exist in the human psyche?
The Science Behind “The Golden Ratio of Phi”
Over 2,500 years ago, the question of what made a face “beautiful” was answered by a ratio known as “The Golden Ratio,” which turns the entire aesthetics industry on its face…literally.
Thought to have been developed in Ancient Greece, the ratio came to be when it was discovered that when a line is divided into two parts in a ratio of 1:1.618, it creates an appealing proportion.
Since the Renaissance period, renown artists like Leonardo Da Vinci and Botticelli have used this golden ratio in their sketchings of their paintings. Yes, definitely the Monalisa and Birth of Venus.
However, as time went on, Italian Renaissance mathematician Luca Pacioli took the theory a bit further and used drawings made by Leonardo da Vinci that incorporated phi.
“Wherever there is number, there is beauty”
Proclus, Greek philosopher
We all subconsciously judge beauty by facial symmetry and proportion…don’t even try to deny it, because it’s human nature. Research has shown that our perception of beauty truly does reside on a number, and in this case, ratio proportions of 1.618.
The Mathematical Formula for “Beauty”
According to the Golden Ratio for a person to be beautiful, the “subject” should be as equal to 1.6 as possible. With Pattinson claiming his “rightful” title, supermodel Bella Hadid also claims her title as the most beautiful woman in the world.
But don’t just look to Pattinson…look at the other scientific results the formula has garnered with some of our more oh-so-lucky Hollywood stallions that apparently measured up to the scientific standards of physical perfection:
- Robert Pattinson – 92.15%
- Henry Cavill – 91.64%
- Bradley Cooper – 91.08%
- Brad Pitt – 90.51%
- George Clooney – 89.91%
- Hugh Jackman – 89.64%
- David Beckham – 88.96%
- Idris Elba – 88.01%
- Kanye West – 87.94%
- Ryan Gosling – 87.48%
Beauty Cannot Be Measured On a Scientific Scale
Now, if you want to know the truth. We are in 2020. And regardless of what you think this formula above accurately reflects, all pun intended, it’s just straight crap.
And while this shouldn’t warrant any explanation, I refuse to acknowledge this crap any more than is necessary to be able to note the following:
Beauty is NOT to be measured and CAN’T be measured.
It comes from something bigger than science. So, I am here to give credit to some awesomely confident, sexy male powerhouses that didn’t even come close to making the list — but still manage to ooze an attractiveness that can’t be analyzed. (And I am a gay woman, so that’s saying a lot.)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Ridiculously smart, funny, ultra-talented and empowers others.
Paul Rudd
So cute it’s almost sickening. Hilarious — doesn’t take himself too seriously. DOES NOT AGE.
Michael B. Jordan
An overall badass. Strong. Works hard. Does amazing things for the black community and promoting diversity in Hollywood.
Andy Samberg
Funny is sexy! Enough said.
Benedict Cumberbatch
British charm, am I right? Intelligent and witty.
Randall Park
Exotic, sweet smile, busting down barriers for actors of Asian descent — and a comedian/writer to boot.
Ed Sheeran
Raw musical talent and a ginger. A combination to be envied.
Tan France
Absolutely absurd level of style. The first openly gay, South Asian man on television. And that hair… that hair!!
Taika Waititi
Perhaps one of the most talented, out-of-the-box writer/directors of our time. Incredible accent. Infectious smile.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
He can sing, act, dance, write and produce — he’s modest and and has a killer sense of humor even though he’s basically taking over the world.
Pedro Pascal
That Mandalorian helmet reveal was epic, and I think we were all very glad to see that it was his ruggedly handsome face behind the “mask.”
Still seems to me that science is a bit “too selective.” What does your formula have to say about that?
