Last Problem:
Think of a number – any number. If it is odd, triple it and add 1; If it is even divide it by 2.
Apply this rule to each new number you obtain. What eventually happens? Does this happen with any number you might start with, regardless whether the starting number is even or odd?
(Warning: You could conceivably be working on this problem on day long!)
Answer:
If you begin experimenting with small numbers, it quickly becomes apparent that the above sequences get stuck in a loop of 1-4-2-1-4-2 etc.
If you used numbers larger than 26, you might have found it took much longer to settle into this hamster wheel rut, but it does eventually with any number you start with. If you started with the number 27, the calculations will take you all the way up to 9.232 just when you think this will never settle into the 1-4-2- rut. You will reach the 1-4-2- sequence at step 111. I hope you did not spend all day calculating with larger numbers to see what would happen! Every number up to a trillion has been tested and every number eventually collapses into the same rut. This problem is known in mathematics as the hailstorm problem.
As an analogy – we all have certain seed thoughts which hold us down from actualizing our destiny. It doesn’t matter where we start, we will always wind up connecting with the same seed thought until it is released, removed. detached, ejected and shielded. This is what makes sustainable recovery possible.
Today’s Problem:
You are happily on your way to Truth City where it is well known that all the inhabitants always tell the truth. At one point in your travels you reach a fork in the road. One leg takes you to Truth City; the other leg takes you to Lies City which all the citizens always lie. The sign is very confusing – so you can not tell which fork takes you to Truth City.
A man stands near the sign, so you can ask him for directions. The problem of course is that you do now know whether the man is from Truth City (where everyone always tells the truth) or Lies City (where everyone always lies).
If you have time to ask this man one question and only one question, what can you ask him that will give you a 100% guarantee that you will get the information you need to take the fork which leads to Truth City?