An electric train is moving north at 100 mph. The wind is blowing west at 10 mph. Which way does the smoke blow?

Why this works

At first glance, this riddle seems to lead you down a path of confusion, as it conjures up images of an old-fashioned steam train billowing clouds of smoke behind it. However, the clever twist lies in the very nature of the train itself—it's electric! This means that, unlike their steam-powered counterparts, electric trains do not produce smoke at all, making the question of wind direction irrelevant. This riddle plays on our assumptions about trains and their romanticized past, where smoke and steam were synonymous with locomotion. The "aha moment" arrives when we realize that the details about speed and wind are mere distractions, cleverly designed to divert our attention from the core truth: electric trains are clean, efficient, and devoid of any smokestack emissions. This insight not only highlights the marvels of modern technology but also challenges us to think critically about the information presented to us. Interestingly, riddles like this one have been used for centuries to engage and entertain, often requiring lateral thinking to unravel their hidden meanings. They remind us that sometimes, the simplest answer is the most profound, echoing the age-old adage, "less is more." So next time you're pondering a tricky question, remember that sometimes the solution is right in front of you, waiting to be uncovered!