This is a neutral expression which says something, but not the
whole.
_The Concentric State._
The head lowered, that is, inclined forward, denotes the reflective
state.
If the head inclines toward the interlocutor, it is veneration, an act
of faith in the object we love.
If the head inclines away from the interlocutor, it is stratagem or
suspicion.
All other attitudes of the head are modifications of these. These nine
attitudes characterize states, that is, sentiments, but sentiments which
are fugitive. Either of these attitudes may be affected until it becomes
habitual. But there are movements which cannot be habitually affected,
which can only modify types and attitudes of the inflections of the
head. These are _fugitive movements_.
There are nine inflections or fugitive movements of the head:--
1. If a forward movement, it ends in an upright one, with elevated chin,
and indicates interrogation, hope, appellation, desire.
2. The same movement with the chin lowered, indicates doubt,
resignation.
3. A nod of the head, a forward movement, means confirmation, _yes_, or
_well_.
4. If the movement is brusque forward, it is the menace of a resolute
man.
5. The head thrown back means exaltation.
6. If the movement is brusque backward, it is the menace of a weak man.
7. There are rotative inflections from one shoulder to the other; this
is impatience, regret.
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