The thought that immediately came to mind when you contrasted the Roman and Orthodox priestly facial coiffure, was the difference between Ancient Greek and Roman busts. The Ancient Greeks? Generally bearded and long haired. The ancient Romans? Generally clean shaven and short haired.
I think it is very much cultural preference. The bearded popes were concentrated in the 16th and 17th centuries - portraits show bearded kings and statesmen in those eras. I cannot think of a modern day head of state who has a beard.
True fact! When I was at Thomas Nelson I published a fun little book with Ben Shapiro called Project President that looked at those sorts presidential features as metrics for how people choose presidents. I recall when Andre Marrou ran for president on the Libertarian ticket. My dad said he never stood a chance. I said, “Why, because he’s a Libertarian?” My dad said, “No. Because he has a beard.”
As a Wordle & Connections devotee, I extend a welcome to the new pontiff. Though not Catholic, it's easy to admire a letters fan.
Amen. I’m not Catholic either, but I take some comfort in what seems like a good selection—made all the more obvious by his commitment to words!
Hahah!
The thought that immediately came to mind when you contrasted the Roman and Orthodox priestly facial coiffure, was the difference between Ancient Greek and Roman busts. The Ancient Greeks? Generally bearded and long haired. The ancient Romans? Generally clean shaven and short haired.
Great point! I wonder how much of this is just cultural preference and inertia.
I think it is very much cultural preference. The bearded popes were concentrated in the 16th and 17th centuries - portraits show bearded kings and statesmen in those eras. I cannot think of a modern day head of state who has a beard.
Yes, as Curt Utter points out here, U.S. presidents have been mostly clean shaven.
Some of the 19th century ones were (e.g. Chester Arthur) and the mustachioed President trend continued into the 20th century with TR and Taft.
Volodymyr Zeleznky of Ukraine has been rocking a beard for a while now.
How could I forget! And former Canadian PM Trudeau had a beard during COVID.
Yes. Though his father preferred to be clean-shaven.
American presidents have went the same route. We've had what four beard, four mustache, and one chin curtain president?
True fact! When I was at Thomas Nelson I published a fun little book with Ben Shapiro called Project President that looked at those sorts presidential features as metrics for how people choose presidents. I recall when Andre Marrou ran for president on the Libertarian ticket. My dad said he never stood a chance. I said, “Why, because he’s a Libertarian?” My dad said, “No. Because he has a beard.”
I can only assume you spent as much or more time researching beard slang than you did writing the article.
LOL. Yes, and Mr. Roget was mostly worthless!