"Cornerology"—Considering Turning Points in Life, Society, and Cities: How Does a Change in Perspective Affect Decision-Making?: [Column] The Science of Thinking (Shiko no Kagaku)—Let's Enjoy "Thinking"! (Part 13)

The Science of Thinking Part 13: "Cornerology"

—Considering Turning Points in Life, Society, and Cities: How Does a Change in Perspective Affect Decision-Making?

Three points of this column

1. What is a corner?

When walking down a road and suddenly reaching a corner, we unconsciously wonder, "What's next?" Unlike a straight road with good visibility, the unknown spreads out beyond a corner. It might be the entrance to an exciting discovery, or it could be an unexpected obstacle.

So, what exactly is a "corner"? I asked an AI.

AI's answer:

As this definition shows, a corner is not just a "point where a road changes," but a place where visibility, choices, and environmental changes intersect.

When we connect this concept of a "corner" to life, society, and even the way we think, various academic questions arise. For example—

• What is a "corner" in life?

• How do "corners" in society arrive?

• If there were a society that had "no" corners, what kind of world would that be?

To face these questions, let's establish a fictional field of study called "Cornerology" this time.

2. Definition and classification of "corners"

A physical "corner" refers to a point where a road or path suddenly changes direction from a straight line. This includes the following classifications:

• Right-angle corners (e.g., intersections between city blocks)

• Acute/obtuse corners (e.g., mountain paths or old streets)

• Continuous corners (winding roads) (e.g., mazes or castle towns)

When viewed from the perspective of urban and spatial design, a "corner" becomes an important element that controls the flow of movement and determines the structure of a space.

3. A society where the concept of a "corner" is weak

(1) Nomads of the Mongolian plains

On the Mongolian steppes, the horizon stretches far into the distance, and there is no need for a clear concept of a "corner." The movement routes of nomads are flexible, and "changing direction" is more important than turning.

• Few constraints on corners due to terrain: On vast plains, there are no roads, and one can move freely in the desired direction.

• Spatial perception is "expanse": Direction is determined by landmarks (mountains, stars, wind direction), and the shape of a path is rarely consciously perceived.

(2) Indigenous people of the Amazon jungle

In the dense Amazon jungle, rather than roads, there are natural paths adapted to the ecosystem of flora and fauna, and artificial "corners" are rarely created.

• Not turning, but "detouring": Paths are created along trees and river flows, and movement is adapted to nature.

• Spatial perception is "fluid": Movement within the jungle is primarily improvised path changes based on terrain, and the concept of urban intersections or corners is not very important.

(3) Maritime peoples (such as the Bajau)

Peoples who live on the sea do not have fixed paths like roads and move according to ocean currents and wind direction.

• "Changing direction" rather than "turning": The standard for movement is not a fixed path, but flexible direction adjustment according to the environment.

• Spatial perception is "fluidity and change": Because there are no physical constraints like on land, the concept of a "corner" is less meaningful.

4. Comparison of "corner" and similar concepts

1. Corner

• Definition: A point where a road suddenly changes direction from a straight line

• Characteristics: Involves a clear divergence, obstruction of view, and psychological change

• Example: Street corner, intersection in a residential area

2. Intersection

• Definition: A point where two or more roads intersect

• Characteristics: Increased options, controls traffic flow

• Examples: Crossroads, T-junctions

3. Curve

• Definition: A section where the road bends gently

• Characteristics: Gradual change in visibility, less conscious awareness of changing direction

• Examples: Mountain roads, highway curves

4. Branching Point

• Definition: A section where one road splits into two or more

• Characteristics: Choice is required, decision on which path to take

• Examples: Fork in a mountain trail

From this comparison, it is clear that a "corner" is not merely a change in direction, but something that involves sudden change, obstruction of view, and psychological impact.

5. The Field of Cornerology

"Cornerology" is a field of study that explores all "turning moments," from physical street corners to life's turning points, social transformations, and shifts in thinking. The subjects of research can be broadly classified into three areas.

1. Physical Corners and Spatial Perception

Living in cities, we face corners on a daily basis. Turning a corner changes our field of vision, and new information flows in. This area of research explores how this "change in visibility" affects our movement and behavior.

Societies with daily corners vs. societies without them

• Urban society (many corners): Visibility is often obstructed, leading to the development of intuitive navigation skills. In cities with many corners, the ability to rely on maps and the power to predict the next development are honed.

• Nomadic or seafaring peoples (almost no corners): Because they travel while looking out over vast horizons or the sea, a way of thinking that involves "looking far ahead and planning" develops. Since there is little obstruction of view, a broad sense of direction becomes more important than fine-grained branching.

Based on this, a corner can be considered a "device for partitioning space," and its presence or absence is thought to influence people's spatial perception and the nature of society.

2. Turning Points in Society and History

Looking back at history, major turning points in civilization can be described as "societal corners."

• The Industrial Revolution: From a society centered on manual labor to a mechanized society.

• The Spread of the Internet: A radical change in the mechanisms of information distribution.

• The Arrival of the AI Era: Much of human intellectual activity is becoming automated.

In this way, societal turning points arrive alongside technological innovation and shifts in values. Whether or not one adapts to these changes determines the future of individuals and organizations.

3. Turning Points in Thought

Our thinking also has "corners." These are moments when we encounter new ways of thinking or transcend existing frameworks.

• Shifting Perspectives in Problem Solving: From logical thinking to intuitive ideas.

• Changes in Values: Questioning stereotypes and embracing new perspectives.

• Linear Thinking vs. Corner-Based Thinking: Moving in a straight line versus changing direction through trial and error.

For example, scientific progress is also born from "corner-based thinking." The shift from Newtonian mechanics to the theory of relativity was a major turning point in physics. Without such shifts, science would not progress.

6. Major Research Fields of "Cornerology"

We classify the exploration of the impact of "corners" into the following three areas from different perspectives.

1. Spatial Perception and Environmental Design

Research Theme: The impact of the presence or absence of corners on human spatial perception

• Cities vs. Grasslands/Oceans
  → People living in cities develop intuitive navigation skills because their "line of sight is obstructed." On the other hand, people living in grasslands or on the ocean develop a sense of direction that utilizes distant landmarks.

• Labyrinth Effect
  → In environments with many corners like a maze, humans tend to repeat "trial and error," which develops exploratory thinking.

• Architectural Design and Psychology
  → Architecture with many corners creates "hidden spaces," which can provide a sense of calm while also potentially generating anxiety or wariness.

2. The Relationship Between Social Structure and Mobility

Research Theme: The Impact of Social "Turning Points" on Individual and Group Behavior

• Urban Structure and Social Relationships
  → In cities with many street corners, compartmentalization progresses and communities become fragmented (e.g., Edo castle towns vs. the Mongolian steppes).

• Transportation Networks and Social Stratification
  → On roads with many corners, travel speed decreases, and urban hierarchical structures tend to become fixed. Conversely, in societies where highways and straight roads are developed, people's movement becomes easier, increasing social mobility.

• Strategic Thinking in a World Without Corners
  → For peoples of the steppes and oceans, "movement" itself is part of life, and a way of living that does not rely on fixed compartments develops (e.g., Mongolian nomadic culture).

3. Modes of Thought and Corners

Research Theme: The Impact of "Corners" on Thought and Problem-Solving Ability

• Decision-Making and Adaptability
  → In urban-type societies, the ability to judge quickly and change direction in response to suddenly appearing corners is required. On the other hand, in societies on vast plains or the open sea, long-term perspective in determining direction becomes important.

• Linear Thinking vs. Corner Thinking
  → "Corner Thinking" refers to a flexible way of thinking that responds to sudden changes. Meanwhile, "Linear Thinking" is strong for long-term planning but weak against unpredictable changes.

• Education and Learning Styles
  → In "societies with many corners," problem-solving learning tends to develop. Conversely, in "societies without corners," learning that emphasizes prediction and planning is preferred.

7. Applications and Future of "Cornerology"

So, if we were to apply this "Cornerology" to the real world, what possibilities might there be?

1. Urban Planning and Architecture:

   • Urban development that considers the guidance of the line of sight.

   • Corner design as a crime prevention measure.

2. Management and Career Strategy:

   • Development of a "Corner Index" for organizations to identify the timing of transformation.

   • Research on decision-making at life's turning points (changing jobs, starting a business, moving).

3. AI and Future Society:

   • Development of an AI-driven "Future Corner Prediction" system.

   • Research on "Corner Design" in virtual spaces.

Considering these perspectives, "Cornerology" is not merely a fictional field of study, but holds the potential to provide important hints for future social design.

8. Conclusion: Which corner will you turn?

In life, there are "corners" that appear suddenly. At such times, you might feel lost. Should you proceed? Should you stop?

However, beyond the corner, a landscape that was previously invisible often unfolds. New paths, new encounters, new discoveries—these are all things you can only meet because you turned the corner.

So, which corner will you turn next? Or will you continue straight ahead?

Afterword

This column, "Cornerology," was written while utilizing ChatGPT. As part of an effort to explore the possibilities of generative AI, this column is one of the projects seeking a new form of academic study by combining the information-organizing capabilities of AI with human creativity.

A "corner" is not just a physical location, but a concept deeply involved in our lives, society, and the way we think. I hope this column serves as an opportunity to think about the "unknown" that spreads beyond the corner.

In the real world as well, we face "corners" of varying sizes every day. It might be a life choice such as continuing education, finding employment, or changing jobs, or it might be a moment when you encounter new values or perspectives. To turn, to continue straight, or to stop—that choice shapes the future.

I would be happy if this column serves as a catalyst for you to re-examine your own "corners" and helps open the door to new possibilities.