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Scientists have disproved the myth that left-handed people are geniuses

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
Published: 2011-06-20 18:15

Researchers from Australia have debunked the myth that left-handers are more creative than right-handers. Moreover, those who are naturally inclined to use their left hand as a working hand have been shown to have decreased cognitive functions.

As Professor Mike Nichols from Flinders University explained, it is wrong to assume that a person becomes left-handed or right-handed as a result of a failure at the genetic level. "This is not a defect," Professor Nichols emphasized, "since the physical abilities of left-handed and right-handed people are absolutely identical." "At the same time, there is a myth that left-handed people are naturally brilliant and talented," the psychologist noted. "However, such conclusions are only speculation and have no scientific confirmation."

Based on an analysis of a representative sample of 5,000 Australian five-year-olds, 10% of whom were left-handed, the experts concluded that their academic performance and ability to work in a group leave much to be desired. "Unfortunately, we are not yet ready to answer the question of what the results are related to," added psychology professor M. Nichols. "But we dare say that if a person is born left-handed, it is absolutely not necessary that he will be an outstanding artist or musician."

Let us recall that, according to statistics, every seventh person on the planet is left-handed.

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