Barack Obama. Paul McCartney. Oprah Winfrey. Tracy from accounting. These are just a few of the great left-handers that have impacted our lives. And on August 13, we’re paying tribute to them.
After years of struggling with scissors and can-openers, southpaws are getting the recognition and respect they deserve. It’s Left-Handers Day! And to celebrate, we’re sharing a few things that make lefties so special.
- 13% of the world’s population is left-handed. And it’s not by random luck. Scientists believe that the trait is genetic, meaning it runs in certain families.
- Mensa says that 20% of its brainy members are lefties.
- Lefties are better drivers. According to one study, being left-handed makes you 10% more likely to pass your driving test on the first try.
- Of the team of five that developed the first-ever Mac computer, 80% were left-handed.
- If you’re left-handed, you likely earn 15% more than your right-handed peers. Studies show that this may have to do with lefties being well-suited to leadership and entrepreneurial roles.
- Though roughly one-in-ten people are left-handed, one-quarter of Apollo astronauts were lefties.
- According to the ancient Zuni people, left-handedness was a sign of wisdom and good luck.