Category: Lateral

During World War II, the mathematician Abraham Wald was asked to help with determining which parts of the allied forces’ planes must be armored better. After examining the surviving American planes, he noticed that there were many holes in the fuselage, and very few in the engines. After careful thinking, he suggested that the armor on the engines must be improved. Why?

Abraham Wald realized that the holes should have been distributed more evenly across the planes. Therefore the planes which had more holes in the fuselage survived, while the planes which had more holes in the engines got destroyed.

A driver needs to pass under a bridge, but his truck is one inch too tall. However, despite this issue, the driver finds a way to continue further. How?

He deflated slightly the tires of the truck.

Why are 1988 pennies worth more than 1983 pennies?

For the same reason 20 pennies are worth more than 15 pennies. 1983, 1988 are the numbers of pennies, not the years they have been made.

John is talking to his lawyer in jail. Both of them are very upset because the judge has refused to grant a bail. At the end of the meeting, John leaves jail and goes home. How is this possible?

John was visiting his lawyer who was the one in jail.

A woman shoots her husband, then holds him under water for five minutes, then hangs him, and finally, they enjoy a romantic dinner together. How is this possible?

The woman takes a picture of her husband and develops it in a dark room.