Here is the logic of the reasoning:
- 200 euros earned on the first sale.
- 200 euros extra on the second sale.
Result: a total profit of 400 euros, concrete and measurable.
But why is this so disconcerting?
Simply because our brain likes to make things more complicated than they are. As soon as an element comes up (like the cow, here), we feel like we’re « playing again » with the same money or losing track. We often forget to consider each transaction separately: a purchase, a sale, a calculation.
This type of puzzle shows how easy it is to get sidetracked by details… instead of focusing on the essentials: a simple, distinct reading of each step.
A lesson more useful than it seems
The moral of the story? Whether it’s a cow, a subscription, or a « good deal » you end up regretting, it’s always best to take a moment to calmly consider the numbers.
