Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Finger Stats

Recently, British scientists have discovered that people with a relatively long ring finger are more likely to succeed "in those high-stress financial arenas where fast thinking, good reflexes and good old-fashioned guts matter most".

No, really. They followed 300 stock traders over a 20 month period, tracking their success, then measured their fingers. What they found was that those with a longer ring finger, in comparison to their index finger, were more successful. Their curve was very similar to one comparing success to experience.

So, how is this possible? Apparently, in the womb, a higher exposure to the hormone testosterone causes a longer ring finger. It has also been linked with such traits as "extreme concentration, visual vigilance, strong motor-eye coordination and quick reaction time, alongside extreme confidence and a willingness to engage in substantial risk-taking."

Apparently, people with longer ring fingers will be at an advantage if the go into a profession requiring those traits.

So, how long is your finger?

2 comments:

Randy Rogers said...

Your father-in-law has huge ring fingers compared to index. Sort of explains my "forceful" sociability don't you think? Dad

Misty Lynne said...

Blake does too. Maybe he'll turn out a lot like you, Grandpa. That might be nice, though I don't think he has your "forceful" sociability. That would be more up Sierra's way. Her ring finger is moderately longer then her index (as is Seth's). Bailey's is actually shorter. So much for her risk taking and reflexes. Tee hee. Mine is longer, but not as much as Blake's.