I find these sorts of "unsolved mysteries" to be intriguing in the sense that they invite the reader to join in; to prove they are smarter than those who went b

I find these sorts of "unsolved mysteries" to be intriguing in the sense that they invite the reader to join in; to prove they are smarter than those who went before. When studying I was attracted by things like Fermats Last Theorem , or a proof for NP Complete, or deciphering Voynich etc. They are mental challenges of the highest order. Fortunately I don't have the discipline to completely immerse myself in any one rabbit hole, it's no more than a passing fancy. I say "fortunately" because I can easily see an entire life, of a very bright person, being consumed and ultimately fail, which would be tragic. I prefer the example in the article, interest in the subject leads to skills, which in turn lead to more fruitful endeavours. These mental challenges can be useful, as long as it doesn't turn into obsession.