11. A tie-wearing nobody into an operatic powerhouse.
Via buzzfeed.com
12. And a past-his-prime actor…
Via movies.ndtv.com
Into an Oscar winner.
Jason Merritt / Getty Images
13. There are practical benefits too. Growing a beard means you can say good-bye to one of mankind’s most tedious tasks.
Via i.imgur.com
14. Other things you can do with a beard? Well, it gives you something to stroke while you’re thinking.
Via i.imgur.com
15. You can use it to accentuate your insults.
Via i.imgur.com
16. Intimidate your enemies.
Via i.imgur.com
17. And enchant women
18. You can grow it into the shape of a cage. Then drink tea through it.
youtube.com / Via i.imgur.com
That is all real beard hair. Filmed at the 1991 Beard and Moustache Growing Contest in Tacoma.
19. And if it’s big enough, you can sell advertising on it.
beardvertising.com / Via laughingsquid.com
Kentucky-based ad agency Cornett-IMS allows men with beards to earn money by placing miniature “beardboards” in them.
Admittedly not all types of beard are equally desirable.
Via imgur.com
There are strict rules of etiquette that must be observed.
Via geekfill.com
It’s certainly possible to go too far.
(If you’re not sure where the limit is, this guide should help.)
Via mrporter.com
And, OK, the hirsute look doesn’t work for absolutely everyone.
Plus, once you’ve grown one, it doesn’t always have quite the impact you’d imagined.
Via weknowmemes.com
20. But still. If you can grow a beard, you should. Pity those poor souls who can’t.
Via timothywinchester.blogspot.co.uk
(They can try and fake it, but they’re not fooling anyone.)
Via stupid.com
21. In conclusion, then. Beards, f**k yeah!