Why Procrastination Exists
Delaying important tasks isn't laziness - it's an emotion regulation problem with deep roots.
Read articleRecent Articles
A small selection of our most recent pieces.
New essays published regularly
Why Nostalgia Exists
That bittersweet longing for the past serves purposes beyond mere sentimentality.
Read articleWhy Gossip Exists
Talking about others behind their backs isn't just petty - it's a social technology.
Read articleWhy CAPTCHAs Exist
Those puzzles proving you're human exist because of a war between bots and websites.
Read articleWhy Tipping Exists
The custom of tipping isn't universal - it emerged from specific historical circumstances.
Read articleWhy Performance Reviews Exist
Annual evaluations feel outdated, but they persist for reasons both practical and political.
Read articleWho This Site Is For
This site is for people who encounter everyday things and wonder why they exist the way they do. For people who are curious about the hidden logic behind ordinary objects, systems, and social norms. For anyone who has ever looked at something familiar and asked "but why is it like this?"
- Curious adults who like understanding the "why" behind everyday things
- People who enjoy calm, well-researched explanations over hot takes
- Readers looking for something thoughtful during a coffee break or commute
- Anyone who has ever Googled "why does this exist?" and wanted a real answer
We're not here to complain or criticize. We're not selling solutions or promising life hacks. We're here to offer something different: explanations for things we take for granted, context for systems that seem arbitrary, and the satisfaction of understanding the world a little better.
If you've ever wondered why receipts are so long, why we shake hands, or why tipping exists, you're in the right place. Understanding why things exist is the first step toward seeing the world with fresh eyes.