Human beings, as a species, are taller than they have ever been.
When humanity’s primate ancestors rose up on their hind legs more than one million years ago, they stood a mere four feet off the ground – barely enough to peek over the savannah grasses covering their African home.
Now, the average male – in Canada, at least – is only three inches short of six feet.
I missed this article a few months back. Very interesting. Some quick takeaways:
- Napoleon was actually tall compared to the average Frenchman of the time!
- People who are at a “height disadvantage” have many health challenges, but so do tallies.
- I have referred to “heightism” before in reference to being overlooked for movie roles because of being too tall, but clearly, this happens a lot to those on the other end of the spectrum.
- I am shocked about the salary information!
- Like the young ladies featured in the “Tall Girls” movie, people who are shorter also take drastic measures to change their appearance. Surgery for two and a half inches of height? Ouch.
