To make it more fun, I wanted to initially place the essay under a code, where the code is the correct answer to a riddle.

I realize some might not be able to answer it right, therefore I will unlock it, and present the answer to the riddle in 12 hours or less.

Riddle

A soldier has been captured by the enemy. He is so brave that they offer to let him choose how he wants to be killed. They tell him, “If you tell a lie you will be shot, and if you tell the truth you will be hanged.” He can only make one statement. He makes a statement and goes free. What could he have said?

(a) “I will be hanged.”
(b) “I will be shot.”
(c) “I will not be shot or be hanged.”
(d) “I will be shot or be hanged.”
(e) “I am not a liar.”

What’s the correct answer? So you have five choices, once answered, i.e. if it is (a), iwillbehanged, etc. the code to the pdf is: iwillbehanged, all small typeface, no spaces.

I know, the guy has no way out. It’s life sometimes: you’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t. But you still have to guess the best answer.

Answer key coming up in 12 hours.

Once again, the 1000-word essay is available at this link (password free).

1. Solve the above riddle.
2. Enter your answer and access the essay. Enjoy !

Answer to Riddle

The answer is b) I will be shot

If he says, “I will be shot,” that statement is neither true nor false. If it were true, he would be hanged. But then “being shot” wouldn’t have been true. Thus, the statement must be false. But if it were false, he would be shot. But if he were shot, the statement would have been true. So there is a contradiction, and his statement was neither true nor false. They couldn’t shoot him or hang him. So they let him free. (maybe). Source: The The World’s 200 Hardest Brain Teasers, by Gary Gruber