hardlogic

While exploring the wilds of Canada, George was captured by hostile wood fairies. Zion, the powerful chief of the fairies told him he could make one final statement which would determine how he would die. If the statement he made was false, he would be boiled in water. If the statement were true, he would be fried in oil. George found neither of this options too his liking, so he made a statement that got him out of this seemingly impossible situation. What is the one statement he could have made?

George said: "You will boil me in water." The fairies were faced with a dilemma. If they boil him in water, that would make his statement true, which means he should have been fried in oil. They can only fry him in oil if he makes a true statement, but if they do, it would make his final statement false. The fairies had no way our of their situation so they were forced to set George free.

Why this works

The brilliance of George's statement, "You will boil me in water," lies in its self-referential nature, creating a paradox for the fairies. If they choose to boil him, his statement becomes true, which would then require them to fry him instead, as per their rules. Conversely, if they fry him, that would make his statement false, which would mean he should have been boiled. This logical loop leaves the fairies with no viable options, forcing them to ultimately let George go.

Common Wrong Answers

“I am going to die today.”

This statement is true, which would lead to George being fried in oil, but it does not create a paradox that would force the fairies to release him.

“You will fry me in oil.”

If the fairies fry him in oil, that would make his statement true, leading to the conclusion that he should have been boiled in water instead, creating a contradiction but not a scenario that forces his release.

“I am not a human.”

This statement is false, which would lead to him being boiled in water, but it does not create the necessary logical paradox that would prevent the fairies from carrying out their punishment.

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