You measure my life in hours and I serve you by expiring. I'm quick when I'm thin and slow when I'm fat. The wind is my enemy. What am I?

Why this works

At first glance, this riddle seems to play with the very concept of time and utility, enticing us to think about life in unexpected ways. The key lies in understanding how a candle functions: we measure its life in hours as it burns down, providing light and ambiance while it gradually expires. The clever duality of "quick when I'm thin and slow when I'm fat" refers to how a slender candle burns faster due to its reduced wax surface area, while a thicker candle, with more wax to consume, takes longer to melt away. Diving deeper, the riddle beautifully encapsulates the transient nature of life and the irony of existence—something that serves us well while also being finite. The mention of the wind as an enemy evokes a vivid image of a flickering flame, easily extinguished by a gust, symbolizing the fragility of life. It's these layers of meaning that create that satisfying “aha moment” when you realize the answer is something so commonplace yet so profound. Interestingly, candles have been used for thousands of years, originating in ancient cultures where they provided not just light but also a means of marking the passage of time with their slow burn. In many traditions, they symbolize hope and illumination, reminding us of the light we can bring into the world, even as our own time is limited. So next time you light a candle, consider the riddle it embodies—an exquisite dance between existence and the inevitable fade into darkness.