The Future of 2D/ 4D Ratio

The idea of establishing a 2 digit /4 digit ratio to form conclusions about a person's behavior and health fascinates me.

Supposedly, by measuring the second digit (pointer finger) and dividing it by the fourth finger (ring finger) it can be determined whether or not an individual was exposed to greater levels of testosterone in the womb. Within the womb, exposure to a greater level of testosterone increases the growth of the ring finger, while estrogen promotes the growth of the index finger. This information correlates to many other behaviors such as aggression, assertiveness, fertility, heart disease, and even being easily influenced by pretty women! (Bye Tracy!)

My husband knew I would get a kick out of the video below: Testosterone Factor, by National Geographic. He was right. Wanting to believe that things are not so happenstance, I often speculate the idea that humans are quite predictable and are hardwired to act in predetermined ways. So to discover a biologic equation that supports this theory is very exciting indeed!


It brings to my mind the 1997 movie Gattaca. A film where genetics determine peoples' futures. The protagonist is one of the last "naturally" born babies and his genes are defective. He has to go to great lengths to take on another man's genetically perfect identity in order to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut.

Similar to the movie's constant genetic evaluations, the cruder 2D/4D ratio accomplishes the same prejudices. Imagine going on an interview and being asked your ratio and having your hand scanned for measurements, or insurance companies utilizing this information to raise your individual rates, or evaluating a future spouse based on digit ratio?

2D/ 4D may be a coincidence or a just a crock, but always curious about people and nature, I will tuck it into my toolbag. Da Vinci was brilliant, insightful, and was known for intricate analysis of the human figure. We would be as wise to observe and investigate the human form.

So don't be surprised when I meet you for the first time, and I take a longer glance than normal at your fingers-- it is in my nature and probably indicated in my digit ratio.