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Agreed. Not sure why this is the favorite pet theory on HN. It’s interesting, but very little data to actually support the connection.

It's popular largely because of the convincing data. Read the article, or any of the many other articles by Kevin Drum on the subject.

It's largely popular because because people gravitate towards simply explanations. It makes them feel good.

Is there directional data to suggest a connection? Sure. But there have been plenty of theories like this that have turned out to be complete bunk.

Could be worse. One of Reddit's favorite pet theories is that one's skull shape reliably indicates their "race".