Ever since reading "The Hobbit," I've loved riddles and puzzles. There's a wonderful simplicity to most riddles that tempt you into thinking they're easy to solve. In Batman comics, the Riddler loves to do goofy, silly, riddles that usually are easy and hard at the same time. In "The Hobbit," Bilbo and Gollum do lyrical, sing-song, riddles that play with words as much as sound. Such riddles are an art form, and I love collecting them. Of course, since they usually fall into categories, you'll eventually discover that many repeat and become too easy to recognize--kind of like a joke where you already know the punch line isn't quite as funny anymore.
Why is it that riddles aren't used in daily life? Wouldn't it make things more interesting? Just imagine going out for dinner, but you have to work out a puzzle before you get a table. Hmm, probably not the best idea, but it would at least be unexpected. How about whoever solves a riddle first, gets the best seat at a play? There might even be a scale for difficulty.
I fully believe in keeping your mind active and in top condition. You need to flex those mental muscles now and again, or you'll lose it. And, having some fun while you exercise is always a good idea. Puzzles don't have to be mindless games on your phone. Find something more complicated and give it a try. You never know, you may find yourself addicted to learning.
- M
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