Despite the fact that left-handedness is no longer seen as a significant issue in today’s world, especially in western societies, history shows many global regions held negative viewpoints towards it. However, it’s unequivocal that some highly influential figures in history, such as Albert Einstein and Alexander the Great, and even Osama bin Laden and Jack The Ripper were left-handed. Let’s explore these 25 lesser-known facts about left-handedness.
25
Between 10 and 12 percent of people are lefties
24
Men are more likely than women to be left handed
23
August 13th is Left-Handers Day
22
Many sources claim that left handers may die up to 9 years earlier than right handers
21
Research also suggests left handers are more likely to become alcoholics, schizophrenic, and dyslexic.
20
A mother over 40 years old is 130% more likely to have a left handed baby than a mother in her 20s
19
Historically it has been seen as a nasty habit, a sign of neurosis, rebellion, and criminality
18
In English the word left even comes from the Anglo Saxon word lyft which means weak or broken.
17
Although some cultures had a positive view of left handers many considered them outcasts.
16
In many cultures the left hand is considered unclean because it is used to wipe after defecation.
15
There are many parts of the world where children are punished in school for using their left hand.
14
The Boston Strangler, Jack the Ripper, and Osama Bid Laden were lefties.
13
So were Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander the Great
12
About 50% of rats, cats, and mice are left pawed.
11
Assymetrical behavior patterns in humans extend to the foot, eye, and ear as well
10
The gene LRRTM1 has been found to play a significant role in handedness
9
One in four Apollo astronauts were left handed
8
Connections between the left and right side of the brain are faster in left handed people meaning they are better at dealing with multiple stimuli
7
People who are left handed tend to draw figures that face to the right
6
Researchers believe that the proportion of left handers in the human population has always been roughly 10 percent.
5
There are scholarships available for left handers with high academic performance
4
There are two theories about the wedding ring. One is that the Egyptians believed, in spite of the left hand's flaws, wearing it there brought it closer to the heart. The other is that the Romans wore it there to ward of evil associated with the left hand.
3
Studies show that left handers have an easier time learning to use their other hand than their right handed counterparts
2
Only 1% of the world population can be considered truly ambidextrous
1