Right-handers move through the world with ease, but left-handers often feel like they're in a reverse universe. From the inconveniences of spiral notebooks to the dangers of using machinery designed for right-handers, being left-handed can feel like living in a world that's backwards. As such, left-handed people have learned to adapt and have developed a unique set of skills and characteristics as a result.
Despite making up just 10% of the population, left-handers have left a significant mark on the world. Many famous, highly successful people—such as Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey—are left-handed. But why is this? Is there something unique about left-handed people that predisposes them to success?
Historically, left-handed people were considered sinister and untrustworthy because they were different. But nowadays, we know that's not true. In fact, left-handed people have special cognitive abilities. A study published by the American Journal of Psychology showed that lefties are better at 'divergent thinking', a method of idea generation that explores many possible solutions.
Furthermore, left-handed people are also more likely to be introvertedly intelligent. As per a report from the National Bureau of Economic Research, left-handers have higher incomes than their right-handed counterparts, particularly among the highly educated.
The unusual nature of left-handed people extends beyond their cognitive abilities. An article in Scientific American points out that left-handed people might live shorter lives because of accidents. Because the world's tools and machines are mostly designed for right-handed people, left-handed people are at a higher risk of hurting themselves.
Yet, despite these challenges, left-handed people continue to thrive, innovate and succeed. In defence of lefties, they live in a world designed against them but they continue to outlast and outshine, showcasing that 'left' is indeed 'right' in its way.
The secret lives of left-handed people: Uncover the strangest facts
