The human hand consists of 27 bones and, together with the human brain, owns responsibility for our species’ success. I realized how valuable each digit was when I broke my middle finger and the impact far exceeded expectations. While some (friends?) joked that “middle finger” could be my nickname, I was not so sure. I'll admit that fingers do have traits and personalities but, other correlations with the middle fingers aside, my stature and desired identification are solidly with the thumb. Allow me to explain.
The Pointer Finger: Everyone knows someone who thinks they are number 1.☝️ Granted they are the go-to for many tasks because they are very capable and well positioned, but Pointer’s ego ignores the contributions of teammates. Some wonder if Pointer’s capabilities attract frequent work or vice versa. When things do not go well, however, you will find old number 1 is also quick to assign blame to others. 👉
The Middle Finger: Another common archetype is someone who is always at the center of attention. ✋ While science correlates height and perceived (and so realized) potential, this lengthy member is usually just a team’s strong core, and rarely its leader. Middle Finger can make peace ✌️ but occasionally lies with Pointer. 🤞. It is most notable (and useful) for their ability to convey and provoke irritation.🖕
The Ring Finger: There is also the type of person who is unfalteringly loyal. They play an understated but pivotal role in the strength of a team. Ring Finger epitomizes commitment to others and is often adorned to show it. 💍 In fact, their nature makes them almost unable to be independent and as a result they rarely stand alone.
The Pinky Finger: The diminutive person, in size or capability, is always an interesting character. They are often found on the fringe of a team as their mates joke that their role may not even exist in generations to come. Like its neighbor Ring Finger, Pinky Finger can also symbolize a (pinky) promise. Still they are a reliable support player and, at times, they are the only one able to do certain small jobs.
The Thumb: Finally there is the contrarian. Thumb is not the biggest member of the team and its proportions more closely resemble toes than fingers. While they are loners by nature, this gives them the unique ability to make others better through opposition. They help them grasp, manipulate, and work on all sort of things. When the job is done, Thumb is also able to offer a quick and encouraging vote of approval. 👍
These diverse personalities of hand are at once unique individual members and parts of an amazing organ(ization). As a team they paint masterpieces, perform delicate surgery, or make and manipulate tools to accomplish powerful feats. These fingers can even speak a (sign) language. It is no wonder that a full quarter of the brain’s motor cortex (the part that controls movement) is devoted to just the hands.
Together the brain’s coordination and hand’s digits have taken us digital; from counting to computing. This is because each member played their role to make the team better. The hand’s reliance on every little part, all 27 bones and five fingers, is made clear when one bone on one finger brakes. Simple tasks become cumbersome. Perhaps my Middle Finger had it coming because it was going it alone again. After all, that is Thumb’s job.
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P.S. - the title comes from a family favorite Dr. Seuss book.
P.P.S. - there are not enough emojis about the Ring and Pinky Fingers!
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