Better Questions, Better Results

What Drives the Human Fascination with Creating and Solving Puzzles? Unlocking minds: Why we love to challenge ourselves—and others—with puzzles   Why We Puzzle Over Puzzles Humans are hardwired to seek patterns, solve problems, and impose order on chaos—puzzles give us all three. Whether it’s a jigsaw, crossword, logic game, or even a mystery novel, puzzles reflect our curiosity and desire to master uncertainty. In this post, we’ll explore the psychology behind our love of puzzles, how they stimulate our brains, and why both creation and solution offer deep satisfaction. If you’ve ever wondered why solving Wordle feels so good—or why designing an escape room is so satisfying—read on. A Quick Puzzle—and a Clue About Ourselves Imagine you’re handed a riddle: “I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?” Even before you attempt the answer (it’s “an echo”), your brain starts scanning for connections. This instant engagement is ...

Why Do People Like Quotes? How Just a Few Words Can Change Minds, Moods, and Movements—And When They Don’t   Framing the Question Why do people like quotes so much? From ancient proverbs to viral tweets, we gravitate toward short, memorable lines that feel larger than life. But here’s what’s curious: we often can’t explain why a particular quote moves us, or why we remember some and forget others instantly. Quotes have a peculiar power that goes beyond their literal meaning—they make complex emotions easier to express, abstract ideas more concrete, and fleeting thoughts feel permanent. Yet they also oversimplify, mislead, and sometimes betray the very complexity they claim to illuminate. This piece explores both the psychology behind why quotes stick with us and the hidden costs of our quote obsession. Whether we seek them out in moments of confusion, change, or inspiration, quotes offer a kind of verbal magic we can carry in our pockets—but like all magic, the trick has its limita...