Koumpounophobia is the fear of buttons, a relatively rare condition.
Like any phobia, the specific fear may vary dramatically between sufferers. Some people are afraid of the texture of certain buttons. Others feel that buttons are unhygienic.
Some only fear touching or wearing buttons, while others fear viewing buttons worn by strangers or friends.
Other people fear them through a near miss choking hazard when they were a small child or through parental scolding when they tipped a whole load of the little blighters on the floor.
In 2007, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs revealed his button phobia to the Wall Street Journal.
His phobia extended far beyond clothing buttons, ironically setting the stage for what was arguably the forward-thinking company’s most remarkable success.
The revolutionary iPhone took the world by storm when released in 2007.
Singlehandedly, it changed the concept of a mobile phone from a device that resembled a traditional telephone to a smooth rectangular block that consisted mainly of a touchscreen.
If Steve Jobs had not been afraid of buttons, would iPhones and tablets exist today?
And did it also explain Steve’s fondness for a turtleneck sweater? Not a button to be seen!
As for me. I’m not keen on heights and hate the idea of climbing a ladder beyond room height. A scissor lift would be my invention, but it’s already been done!
Just maybe, our phobias can spur our creative and innovative zeal, as much as our beliefs. An interesting thought?
“The first step in overcoming a phobia is to accept its existence.” – Kriti
Thank you for reading.
