Approximately 10% of the global population is left-handed, and throughout history, some of the most famous and intelligent individuals have been lefties. In the past, this trait was viewed negatively, and left-handed people were often seen as outcasts. Over time, however, as scientific understanding advanced, it became evident that left-handed individuals can be just as intelligent, and in some areas even more so, than their right-handed counterparts.
We’ve uncovered some fascinating facts about left-handed people and what makes them truly unique.
Lefties make better artists.
Research featured in the American Journal of Psychology indicates that left-handed individuals may have an advantage when it comes to creativity. The study suggests that they excel at coming up with unconventional solutions to problems. A separate study conducted by The Left-Handers’ Club, a group that supports research on left-handedness, involved over 2,000 participants — left-handed, right-handed, and ambidextrous. The findings reveal that left-handed people are more likely to pursue careers in the arts, music, sports, and information technology sectors.
They have an advantage in sports.
Left-handed athletes hold an edge in one-on-one sports such as tennis, badminton, and boxing. In his book The Puzzle of Left-Handedness, linguist Rik Smits argues that both left- and right-handed athletes typically train against right-handed opponents. As a result, right-handed players often struggle when facing a left-handed competitor, as they are not accustomed to it. Conversely, left-handed athletes are more prepared to take on right-handed opponents, having trained against them more frequently.
They make good fighters.
A 2019 study discovered that 17% of male boxers and 12.5% of female boxers are left-handed, which is notably higher than the 10% of the general population who are left-handed. The study also revealed that these left-handed fighters had a greater than 50% chance of winning their matches against right-handed opponents. This suggests that left-handed fighters have an advantage in combat sports.
Bonus: All lefties can relate to this.
How many left-handed individuals do you personally know? Do you agree with the points mentioned above? If you’re a lefty, feel free to leave a comment below and share this article with your friends!
Please note: This article was revised in March 2022 to fix source errors and factual inaccuracies.
