#every time i see a nintendo youtuber talk about how they've 'figured out the direction of the next legend of zelda game' or whatever

[carriehobbs]

i say this as someone whose favourite hobby is "pointing out inconsistencies and discrepancies" but it is really important to be able to acknowledge that sometimes, if you've thought about something for five minutes, then you've thought about it ten times longer than the person who created it.

why do these two pieces of lore not fit together? why does the text say one thing here and another thing there? why does the text and the word of god not match? because by asking these questions you have now thought longer and harder about making this all make sense than the creator ever did.

and it's fine (i think) to enjoy trying to piece things together into a coherent and cohesive whole (i certainly do), but it's important to, every once in a while, get out of the pit you're digging for yourself and remember that you are thinking way more about this thing than anyone else is. and you're free to jump right back in that pit, shovel in hand, afterwards, but i do think touching base occasionally is important for your continued well-being.