Left-handed people have long faced challenges, especially from a young age. Many were told in school to switch to the “correct” hand when learning to write.
They’ve often dealt with unfair labels and puzzled stares simply for doing things differently.
Beyond judgment, daily life wasn’t always easy—common tools like scissors, desks, and can openers were designed for right-handed use, turning simple tasks into constant hurdles.
Worse still, older studies wrongly suggested that left-handed people were more likely to have accidents or live shorter lives.
Today, science debunks those myths, revealing a deeper, more fascinating story behind left-handedness.
What science says about left-handed people
Although there’s no single explanation for why left-handed people exist, researchers believe it’s a mix of biology and environment.
Some scientists suggest it may be inherited from the mother’s side. Others point to hormone levels in the womb as possible influences.
Fascinatingly, left-handedness can sometimes be spotted before birth.
In ultrasounds, about 90% of babies are seen sucking their right thumb—suggesting the remaining 10% may become left-handed.
According to research, twins are also twice as likely to have at least one left-handed sibling, even though they share identical DNA.
According to twin studies, genetics only explain part of the story—roughly 25%.
Why most of the world isn’t left-handed?
In 2012, researchers at Northwestern University offered a compelling theory.
They believed handedness could be tied to how social humans have become over time. It’s not just biology—it’s behavior, too.
“The more social the animal — where cooperation is highly valued — the more the general population will trend toward one side,” Daniel Abrams, an assistant professor at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, told LiveScience
He added that for any society to function well, people must work together, explaining that this strong need for cooperation likely shaped human behavior over time, making it more common for people to use the same dominant hand.
As a result, most people today are right-handed.
In other words, using the same hand may have helped early humans work better together—whether passing tools, cooking, or building.
This cooperation could have naturally steered society toward right-handedness, even if a few were wired to use the left.
The brain, birds, and left-handed clues
Even animals can teach us something about handedness.
One study examined birds like chickens and pigeons, showing how light exposure before hatching affects eye and brain development.
“In chicken and pigeons, a genetic factor determines the position in the egg before hatch — the embryo is curled such that the right eye is turned to the semi-translucent eggshell, while the left eye is covered by the embryo’s own body,” explained Judith Schmitz, one of the authors of the study.
This results in stronger visual skills on one side, proving how early positioning and light exposure can shape brain function.
Similarly, human handedness may depend on subtle early influences, not inherited traits.
The hidden struggles lefties face
For a long time, being left-handed was misunderstood. Decades ago, children were pressured to switch hands, believing it was a flaw that needed fixing.
This constant need to adapt made life unnecessarily complicated for many left-handed people.
Even today, the world remains built mainly for right-handed convenience. From door handles to spiral notebooks, simple tasks can feel frustratingly complicated.
These daily challenges can make left-handed people feel out of place in a world not designed for them.
But science now shows that what once felt like a disadvantage might be a hidden strength.
Surprising strengths of lefties
While they comprise only about 10% of the population, left-handed people are often found in high-achieving circles.
From musicians to scientists, lefties have left their mark across many fields.
Artists like Picasso, composers like Beethoven, and modern icons like Bill Gates, Julia Roberts, and Paul McCartney are proud left-handers.
Even 20% of MENSA members—people with very high IQs—are left-handed.
In sports, the advantage is even clearer. Around 25% of MLB players are left-handed and tend to thrive in one-on-one sports like tennis, boxing, and fencing.
Their movements differ from the norm, making them unpredictable and harder to beat.
Authors and researchers agree that this difference creates an edge. In his book “The Puzzle of Left-Handedness,” Rik Smits explains how most athletes train against right-handed opponents.
This gives left-handed athletes a distinct upper hand—literally.
Living proudly as a left-handed person
Despite being in the minority, left-handed people continue to show resilience and brilliance.
They’ve had to learn to adapt, often finding creative solutions to everyday problems.
Many lefties pursue careers in art, science, and technology—fields that reward fresh thinking and unique perspectives.
Some researchers even suggest that left-handed men, especially those with advanced education, may earn more due to how quickly they process complex information.
Today, society is slowly embracing left-handed people for who they are—exceptional, capable, and inspiring.
A left-handed legacy of hope
Though the mystery of handedness isn’t fully solved, one thing is sure: being left-handed is something to be proud of.
More than just a physical trait, it represents adaptability, creativity, and strength.
And as science continues to uncover new insights, the world finally recognizes what left-handed people have always known—they’re not just different. They’re extraordinary.
Do you know any left-handed people, or are you left-handed yourself? Let us know your thoughts about the points described above, and don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends!
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I am proudly left handed so it was my grandfather, my mother’s father, and I think it was the greatest treasure he left me for life. 😊🙏🏻🪽🤍💚🕊️
I am left handed totally ,it’s like my right hand doesn’t have a clue what to do. And there is no one in my family that is left handed either.
I do believe that left handedness can come from the mothers side of the family. I’m left handed and my mother is also.
My partner well ex partner now we are both left handed and our son he is right handed
My husband and I are right handed but all 3 of our children are left handed. Is this odd!
i am left handed and had identical twin girls 1 is left handed 1 is right handed. like mirror twins lol interesting read.🫱🫲
I am strictly left handed. Unable to do anything with my right. I have never been able to conquer any sports at all. I have no special qualities that I know of. I just know I have always loved being left handed.
I’m a lefty, blue eyed and have ginger hair…rare?!! Indeed.
Although i write in my left hand, i do most other things in my right, such as throw a ball, hold a tennis racket, throw a dart, move a computer mouse with my right hand…probably because i’ve learnt to adapt!
I’m very creative and love problem solving and psychology!
Very interesting article! I’m not into sports at all but enjoy being creative. I am the only one in my family left handed- not my parents, grandparents, 3 brothers, my 2 daughters , or my 3 grandchildren. I feel sorta special!