The “count the squares” puzzle does exactly that. It creates a gap between what you think you see and what’s actually there. And when you bridge that gap, you feel a small but meaningful sense of insight.
It’s the same feeling you get when:
You solve a riddle that once seemed impossible
You notice a pattern others missed
You suddenly understand something that previously confused you
These moments matter because they remind us that our minds are flexible—that we can learn, adapt, and see differently.
Beyond the Grid
The next time you encounter this puzzle, or one like it, try to resist the urge to answer too quickly.
Instead, sit with it.
Look again.
Ask yourself:
What might I be missing?
What assumptions am I making?
Is there another way to interpret what I’m seeing?
You might find more squares.
