Being left-handed throughout centuries has been viewed as some sort of weakness or as a problem that should be overcome. Even 20 years ago, many studies have said that left-handed people are prone to more accidents and even die sooner. Do you ever wonder why this happens? Well, it’s not your fault. The world we are living in was built mainly for right-handed people. Every door made is for the right hand, simple household object like scissors or can openers are made for the right hand, even writing can sometimes be a real challenge for lefties.
However, more recent studies have shown a different perspective of left-handedness. As it turns out, there are some benefits of being a leftie, such as a higher likelihood of excelling at sports and being a better problem-solver.
If you want to know more, read these fun facts about being left-handed.
1. WE DON’T KNOW WHY LEFT-HANDED PEOPLE EXIST
In spite of all the research that has been done over the years, there still isn’t a definitive answer as to why some people are left-handed. It’s considered to be partly hereditary from the mother’s side of the family tree. However, according to another theory, if there is more testosterone in the womb, there’s a greater chance that the baby will be left-handed. Some studies even say that twins were twice as likely to be left-handed as compared to the rest of the world.
2. WE DON’T KNOW EXACTLY HOW MANY LEFT-HANDED PEOPLE ARE ON EARTH
Between 5 and 26 percent of the whole population is left-handed, some studies show. These numbers often depend on the culture and the region that is being studied.
3. LEFTIES ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE GOOD AT SPORTS
About 25 percent of all Major League Baseball players are left-handed and this is not the only sport that’s advantageous for left-handed people. In fact, one report showed that an incredible number of 40 percent of top tennis players are left-handed. Their movements are different and unexpected since they are left-handed athletes, so opponent aren’t used to reacting to them. Athletes are built on routines, and when there is a slight change in their routine, it throws off their game.
4. LEFT-HANDEDNESS HAS NEVER BECOME EXTINCT
In the past there were many cases where left-handed students were forced to use their right hand while writing in order to correct what was once seen as a problem. But even with these questionable methods, the trait of left-handedness has not died. Fun fact, in primitive cultures, 27 percent of people living in war-like regions were left-handed, compared to 3 percent in peaceful regions which might be the result of the right-handed fighters never foreseeing the left hook coming.
5. LEFT-HANDERS ARE BETTER PROBLEM SOLVERS
Scientists believe that left-handed people react better when faced with problems because they can come up with multiple solutions. As a matter of fact, they are more likely to pursue a career in science, art or technology based on this fact. Some of the most famous lefties throughout history include Marie Curie, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Pablo Picasso, as well as Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Bill Gates, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
6. LEFT-HANDEDNESS CAN BE PREDICTED BEFORE BIRTH
Ninety percent of the babies in the womb move their right arm and suck on their right thumb. This is a way for doctors to know whether the baby will be right or left-handed only through ultrasound. The remaining ten percent of the babies in the womb that don’t do this most probably will be born as lefties.
7. LEFTIES ARE IN VERY GOOD COMPANY
Famous left-handed geniuses including Albert Einstein, Barack Obama, Bill Gates, as mentioned above, and Neil Armstrong show that left-handed people are officially “better” thinkers.
8. MOST LEFT-HANDED PEOPLE ARE BORN IN LATE SPRING TO EARLY SUMMER
Most left-handed people were born between March and July, some studies show. This means that most lefties were conceived between June and October. As to what this indicates, well, researchers aren’t quite there yet—but it is an interesting fact nonetheless!