Can You Really Be a “Left-Brain” or “Right-Brain” Person?

You Should Know: It’s widely understood that people who are “left-brained” are more analytical and logical and people who are “right-brained” are more creative and artistic. But is this actually a real thing? Like a lot of myths that have lingered for a long time, there’s a tiny bit of truth to it.

Going Deeper: The left-brain/right-brain concept dates back to the 1860s, when a French doctor discovered the left side of the brain controlled speech. Future scientific discoveries taught researchers how the brain’s two hemispheres specialized in different functions (called lateralization). But it was also likely the genesis of the idea that people have a “stronger” half, based on their interests and personalities.

Takeaway: The hemispheres are connected, allowing them to communicate with each other and making us able to do two things at once. The hemispheres do perform different functions, but they’re not entirely separate. Both hemispheres of the brain actually work together to perform most functions, including speech, numeracy, logic, and creativity. 

Bottom Line: Being either left- or right-brained isn’t a thing. Yes, some people are better at numbers and some are more artistic, but that’s not determined by one brain half “dominating” the other.