Left-handed people—affectionately called “lefties”—make up only about 10% of the world’s population, but they have always piqued our interest. From creative talent to athletic benefits, left-handedness features a unique set of traits and quirks. Here are some fascinating facts about what makes left-handed individuals stand out.

A Different Kind of Brain Wiring

Left-handed individuals tend to depend more on the right hemisphere of the brain, the area linked to creativity, spatial skills, and intuitive thinking. Although no two brains are exactly alike, this pattern may help explain why left-handed people often excel in artistic and innovative fields.

A Rare but Natural Trait

Despite centuries of myths, left-handedness is simply a natural variation in human development. Multiple genes influence it—there’s no single “lefty gene”—and it often runs in families.

Creativity and Quick Thinking

Research suggests that left-handed individuals may have faster communication between the brain’s hemispheres, which supports creative problem-solving and quick decision-making. Many lefties demonstrate strong “divergent thinking,” the ability to come up with multiple solutions to a problem.

Sports Superpowers

In sports like tennis, baseball, boxing, and fencing, left-handed athletes often have a strategic advantage. Right-handers train mostly against other right-handers, so competing against a lefty can feel unfamiliar—sometimes giving left-handed players the upper hand.

Lefties in Leadership

It might surprise you to learn how many leaders were left-handed. Several U.S. presidents—including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Gerald Ford—were lefties. Maybe that creative wiring extends to leadership as well.

Twins and Left-Handedness

Twins, particularly identical twins, are more prone to being left-handed than the general population. Scientists aren’t completely sure why, but the link keeps intriguing researchers.

Living in a Right-Handed World

From scissors to desks and can openers, many everyday tools are designed for right-handed users. This can make certain tasks harder for lefties, but today there are many left-handed versions of common items.

A Day to Celebrate

Every year on August 13, the world observes International Left-Handers Day—a day to celebrate the joys and challenges of being part of this unique 10%.

Despite old myths suggesting otherwise, left-handedness isn’t linked to poor health or reduced lifespan. Science confirms that being a lefty is just one of the many beautiful variations in how humans develop.

Whether you’re left-handed or love someone who is, there’s plenty to appreciate about this remarkable minority. After all, the world would feel a little less colorful without lefties in it.