On the red carpet, one tip is to suck in your cheekbones -

Hear, O listener, the thoughtful words of David Harewood: “On the red carpet, one tip is to suck in your cheekbones—apparently it looks better on camera. I don’t know, though; I think a nice smile is best.” Though spoken in the lighthearted air of celebrity life, these words carry a truth far deeper than they first appear. They speak of the eternal conflict between appearance and authenticity, between the fleeting glamour of image and the enduring strength of sincerity.

The meaning of this reflection rests in the choice Harewood makes. To “suck in the cheekbones” is symbolic of the endless tricks, poses, and artifices that the world often demands of us to appear more appealing, more powerful, more desirable. But Harewood contrasts this with the power of a genuine smile—a gesture that is universal, unstudied, and authentic. His words remind us that beauty shines brightest not through contrivance, but through the honesty of human warmth.

The origin of such wisdom is woven into the history of human expression. Across ages and civilizations, the smile has been revered as the truest emblem of peace and trust. Ancient statues of the Buddha wore serene smiles, promising inner harmony. Medieval saints were painted with gentle expressions, their smiles a sign of divine compassion. In contrast, the arts of court and stage were filled with elaborate gestures and artificial postures, designed to impress but rarely to connect. Thus, Harewood’s statement stands as a continuation of this old truth: authenticity endures, while pretense fades.

History offers many echoes. Abraham Lincoln, often ridiculed for his plain looks, once said that “every man over forty is responsible for his face.” He meant not its features, but its expression—how a lifetime of choices and character shapes the countenance. His humble, weary smile carried more weight than the polished poses of his rivals, for it reflected honesty and compassion. Just as Harewood favors the smile over contrived angles, so too did Lincoln reveal that character, not artifice, is the true measure of beauty.

This lesson also speaks to the broader struggles of modern life. We live in an age of images—selfies, cameras, social media filters—all urging us to pose, to sharpen, to perfect. Yet beneath the surface lies the ancient question: are we content with how we appear, or shall we choose to be real? Harewood’s reflection whispers to us: it is better to smile sincerely, to show humanity, than to lose oneself in endless masks that win admiration but not connection.

Practically, this wisdom invites us to live with presence. The next time you are tempted to posture, to “suck in your cheekbones,” ask yourself instead: what would a genuine smile accomplish? In moments of tension, offer kindness. In gatherings, greet with warmth. In pictures, let your face reflect not perfection, but truth. For what the world remembers is not the flawless angle, but the authenticity of spirit shining through your countenance.

And so, O listener, take this teaching as your own: do not let vanity rule your expression. Let the smile of sincerity guide you, for it binds hearts, disarms enemies, and inspires trust. Remember always that appearances are fleeting, but the light of authenticity, carried in a single true smile, endures beyond the flash of cameras or the passing of fashions.

Thus, the wisdom stands: choose truth over artifice, humanity over posture, the smile over the pose. For in smiling, you reveal not just your face, but your soul—and that is beauty eternal.