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, these excerpts from the
scenario titled, Deep In The Mountains



"The mountains and the sea - nature has a
power that draws us to her.  After all, we are
nature's children, born into her world and
fed on her bounty . . .

1. You have set off to climb a mountain in
search of a fabulously rare stone. What is
your impression of the mountain as you
stand at its foot? . . .

4. Now it is time for you to come down from
the mountain and return home. What parting
words do you have for the mountain, and
what is its reply?"



Included in the analysis of answers, the
Key to "Deep In The Mountains",  is this -



"Your impression of the mountain shows
the image you have of your father. Was it
difficult and unforgiving? Gentle and easily
conquered?  Or did you have an idealized
image of  a magnificent peak that somehow
seemed to welcome you and encourage you
on your quest? . . .

Your parting words to the mountain reveal
what you have always wanted, but never
have been able, to say to your father. The
mountain's reply shows your ideas about
his feelings for you."



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.