The phrasing “why is the sky blue why is water wet” represents quintessential examples of questions with seemingly obvious answers. One describes a common atmospheric phenomenon, while the other addresses a fundamental property of a pervasive liquid. They are often used rhetorically to illustrate a point about the self-evident nature of something or to dismiss a question as being overly simplistic.
The significance of these questions lies not in their literal answers, which are readily available through scientific explanation, but in their function as rhetorical devices. Historically, they’ve served as convenient analogies, highlighting the ease with which certain concepts can be grasped. Furthermore, questioning the obvious can sometimes prompt deeper exploration and understanding, even if the initial inquiry appears trivial.
