In Kokology (1998), psychologist Tadahiko Nagao
presents a "game of self discovery".

This game involves imagined scenarios. There are
53 in all.

For each, the reader is asked to: imagine himself
in the situation described, respond to questions
and then consider what his answers may reveal -

reveal about the largely unconscious wishes,
attitudes and motivations that underlie feelings
and drive behavior.

Consider, for example, the scenario titled,
On Your Birthday


"It's your birthday today, and when you check
your mailbox you see you've gotten a card from
someone you would have never suspected. Who
is the sender? You have also received a number
of gifts from family and friends. Of that group,
who sent you the biggest package?"


Included in the analysis of answers, the
Key to "On Your Birthday",  is this -


"The responses you gave signify your true feelings
about people in your life, feelings you may not
even be aware of yourself.

The person who unexpectedly sent you a card is
someone you would like to care more about you
or give you more attention . . . "



The game of Kokology has been described as a
"verbal Rorschach". Regardless of whether or not
you are inclined to accept such things, Tadahiko
Nagao's game is, as he intended it to be, fun -
and worth PonderingAbout.