The PMA Science Guide to Overcoming Contempt

Contempt is a powerful emotion that can stem from various sources—sweetheart women and men, the workplace, business environments, the street, different ethnic backgrounds, and even family members. Dealing with contempt effectively is crucial for personal and professional success. This blog explores overcoming contempt using principles from Stoicism, Positive Mental Attitude (PMA), psychology, esoteric thinking, economics, and Paul Ekman’s emotional insights. We will guide you with examples, methods, metaphors, and real-life cases.

What Does Contempt Look Like?

Contempt is one of the seven basic emotions identified by Paul Ekman, and it has a distinct facial expression:

• One side of the mouth raised: The most recognizable feature of contempt is the asymmetrical facial expression, where one corner of the mouth is pulled upwards, often forming a smirk. This micro-expression can look like a half-smile, but it lacks the warmth or sincerity of a genuine smile.

• Subtle sneer: The raised corner of the mouth can give the appearance of a sneer, signaling a feeling of superiority or disdain.

• Eyes: The eyes may be slightly narrow, often without the direct, warm engagement typical of other positive emotions like happiness.

Recognizing Contempt in Others

• Asymmetry: Unlike other emotions that engage both sides of the face evenly (like a complete smile), contempt is typically asymmetrical, involving only one side of the face.

• Brief Expression: Contempt might flash briefly across a person’s face before they return to a neutral or different expression. Ekman referred to these quick expressions as “micro-expressions.”

Practical Example

Imagine you’re in a meeting, dating, or just saying hi, and you make a suggestion. A colleague, lover, spouse, manager, or politician responds by narrowing their eyes and slightly raising one corner of their mouth. This micro expression could signify contempt, indicating that they deem your suggestion inferior or unworthy of attention. Additionally, you are viewed in their eyes as unworthy and inferior.