We probably all know at least one person who is left-handed. And we’ve probably also all heard that “left-handed people have the edge” in some things, that they may even have higher intelligence or intuition. But that’s definitely not true, according to scientists. So how did the myth that people who are left-hand dominant are better at something than others come about? And why does someone naturally write with their left hand from birth?

Studies say that roughly 10% of the world is left-handed. The assumptions that these people are exceptional, have higher intelligence, or are more likely to do well in certain fields have been tested many times in the past. The results overwhelmingly show that this is nonsense and left-handed people are just as intelligent as right-handed people.

What the data says

Studies looking at the intelligence of left-handed people have been around for many years. Recently, a meta-analysis was created that compiles data from all of their results since 1900. A total of 17 studies were of sufficient quality to standardize left-handed, right-handed, and ambidextrous individuals. Analysis of the results of these tests found that left-handed people do not score higher than right-handed people on intelligence.

In some cases, right-handed people even had slight advantages, but PubMed reports that these were not significant differences from which to infer anything. Studies have also found that left-handed people are neither more creative nor even over-represented in some professions, as previously claimed (such as the arts professions).

Where did the myth come from

Why did people start to think that left-handed people have an advantage over right-handed people in some respects? The fundamental reason is selection bias. People like to mention famous left-handed people who are creative icons (for example, artists and musicians), but they forget the opposite examples, or professions where left-handed people are not typical. The media then repeat these examples and give the impression of a general rule.

About 10% of people on the planet are born left-handed. But they don't seem to have any special skills. ━━ About 10% of people on the planet are born left-handed. But they don't seem to have any special skills. ( Source: Kelly Sikkema /  Unsplash+ )

But there are also psychological and cultural factors that influence people’s view of left-handed people:

  • Left-handedness is exceptional – Because being left-handed is rare (about 10% of the population), there is a perception that it is something special and that these people are more gifted. People usually don’t realize that what is rare may not be exceptional at the same time.
  • Romanticisation and the myth of the suffering artist – there is a cultural image that combines creativity with emotional or psychological suffering. Leftists are often seen as different, that is, as rejected by society. This, according to many, motivates them to work harder and achieve better results.

The dominant hand has no effect on intelligence and creativity

A number of factors influence how intelligent a person is. Genetics, nutritional quality, environment, education, but also stress or early childhood health all influence us in this regard. As for creativity, it is influenced by a person’s personality, as well as cultural and social environment, education and motivation.

Neither intelligence nor creativity has anything to do with the hand with which a person writes, the way he or she holds a cutlery utensil or the hand with which he or she normally does any work. However, many people do not realise this. Myths continue to pervade society that left-handed people are exceptional in many ways. Although science speaks clearly, this is such a well-established myth that it is very difficult to explain the reality to people.