The Art of Manliness

Why We Like Puzzles, and What We Get From Them

Jun 8, 2022

A.J. Jacobs, the author of The Puzzler, delves into the intriguing world of puzzles and their significance beyond mere entertainment. He discusses the cultural impact of the Rubik's Cube, highlighting its role in shaping problem-solving skills. A.J. shares personal anecdotes on the therapeutic benefits of puzzles and their insights into life’s complexities. He also touches on concepts like apophenia, encouraging a 'puzzle mindset' to foster curiosity and collaboration in tackling life's challenges.

46:25

Creator website

Episode guests

A. J. Jacobs

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Puzzle of Life: Strategies and Significance

17min

The Cultural Impact of Puzzles: A Focus on the Rubik's Cube

2min

Puzzles and Personal Journeys

13min

Unlocking Logic: The Puzzle Experience

4min

The Uncracked Code at CIA Headquarters

2min

Understanding Apophenia: Patterns and Mindsets

6min

Embracing the Puzzle Mentality in Everyday Challenges

3min

Puzzles may seem like fairly pedestrian pastimes — fun ways to while away a rainy afternoon. And while they certainly do make for satisfying diversions, my guest would say they're also more than that, and can teach us plenty about life as well.

His name is A.J. Jacobs, and he's the author of The Puzzler: One Man's Quest to Solve the Most Baffling Puzzles Ever, from Crosswords to Jigsaws to the Meaning of Life. Today on the show, A.J. explains what makes a puzzle a puzzle, and why we're drawn to them and enjoy them so much. We then discuss the charm of certain puzzles, from crosswords and Rubik's Cubes, to jigsaws and mazes. Along the way, we discuss some of the strategies behind solving these puzzles, and how these strategies can help you become an all-around better thinker and decision maker, and better at navigating the puzzling dilemmas of life itself.