Why This Exists is a quiet place for understanding the things we encounter every day but rarely question.
We live surrounded by objects, systems, and social conventions that seem random or arbitrary. Receipts that are too long. Passwords we can never remember. Meetings that could have been emails. Tipping customs that vary by country. CAPTCHAs that make us prove we're human.
These things didn't appear out of nowhere. Someone created them. Someone decided they were necessary. And understanding why they exist helps us see the world with a little more clarity—and a little less frustration.
This site doesn't offer complaints or hot takes. It offers explanations. Simple ones. The kind that help you understand why things are the way they are, without judgment or agenda.
What You'll Find Here
Articles organized into seven areas: Everyday, Technology, Work, Money, Social, Culture, and Psychology. Each piece follows a similar structure:
- The thing we don't question
- The problem it was meant to solve
- Why it still exists today
- What we can learn from it
The Tone
Calm. Curious. Non-judgmental. No outrage. No sarcasm. No promises to change your life. Just thoughtful exploration of why things are the way they are.
These questions are universal. They cross borders, cultures, and circumstances. Whether you're reading this from a busy city or a quiet town, the curiosity is the same. We're all surrounded by things we've never stopped to question.
How We Write
Our writing is informed by history, design thinking, behavioral research, and lived experience. We focus on clarity over credentials and explanation over opinion.
Ownership & Purpose
Why This Exists is an independent editorial project created to explore the origins and reasoning behind everyday objects, systems, and social norms.
The site is published under Ensomnia Media, a media and technology company that supports long-form educational and explanatory content across multiple platforms.
Important Notes
The content on this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Articles about financial topics are not financial advice. Articles about workplace practices are not legal or HR advice. For decisions that affect your life significantly, consult qualified professionals.
If you're here, you're probably curious about something you've always wondered about. That's a good instinct. Understanding usually helps.