In the earliest days of life on Earth, hands helped man when he stood or walked about. They were used much as an ape uses them now.
If we put our hands on a table as if about to walks on the tips of our fingers, we can see what a well-balanced support is formed. We no longer need our hands for walking, of course, but the unequal length of our fingers still help us in many ways to maintain balance and grasp and use tools-the main thing man can do that makes him special.