第２６１回 Workshop報告（６月８日）/参加者１４名

≪FIRST HALF≫

Birds of a feather flock together” or “Opposites attract,

“Birds of a feather flock together” is an English proverb which suggests that people who are similar in character, interests, or background tend to associate with each other. On the other hand, there is another saying, “Opposites attract,” meaning that people who are completely different tend to be attracted to each other and become friends. I believe both of these sayings hold some truth because we all have different preferences. However, I am curious about which type of people we are more likely to build good and long-lasting relationships with. Also, I am interested in how we can build and maintain good relationships with others.

•Before you start the discussion, please add ① & ② in your today’s self introduction.

①What is your personality in a nutshell?

(e.g. I am a little bit easygoing maybe because I grew up with my older sisters. They used to help me most of the times when I got in trouble.)

②What do you like to do in your free time? What are you interested in the most?

<Questions>

Q1. Which type of people do you prefer as your friends, similar people or dissimilar people? Can you explain the reasons by sharing your own experience?

Q2. There are many workers who leave their companies due to poor relationships with their coworkers.

If you start your own business, which type of people would you hire, similar people or different people? Why do you think so?

Q3. Imagine that you are single and looking for a partner. How much do you care about the similarities between you and him/her? Why?

Q4. What is the most important thing to build good relationships with your friends,coworkers and partner? Why do you think so?

≪LATTER HALF≫

Do you believe superstitions and fortune-telling?

Every morning while getting ready for work, I watch TV, and there is a segment about fortune-telling on the show. Personally, I don’t believe in fortune-telling, but sometimes I find myself unconsciously curious about things like my zodiac sign or today’s lucky item.

There are many superstitions, fortune-telling, pseudoscience, and so-called “occult” phenomena, around us, deeply rooted in human history and culture. Despite lacking evidence in most cases, they are still attractive to many people. Then, what are they exactly, and why were they born?

Superstitions arise from the desires of people to deal with the unknown and uncertainty. They are based on traditions and beliefs dating back to ancient times. Superstitions often lack scientific evidence and influence people’s behavior and judgment. However, even in modern times, they are accepted as part of culture and tradition, giving a sense of psychological stability.

Fortune-telling emerged from human curiosity and anxiety about the future. Utilizing various methods like astrology or tarot cards, people try to predict future events and destinies. Fortune-telling is sometimes offered as an interesting form of entertainment for some people.

On the other hand, pseudoscience presents scientific claims without adhering to scientific methodology or evidence. Pseudoscience often contradicts scientifically proven facts and principles, containing unreliable theories. Moreover, the spread of pseudoscientific beliefs and practices can hinder true scientific progress. If pseudoscientific products or services have an impact on health, consumers’ safety may be at risk.

These phenomena are deeply rooted in human psychological needs and societal backgrounds. Superstitions and fortune-telling have historically played a significant role in people’s attempts to understand themselves and the world around them. However, these phenomena may lack scientific evidence and carry the risk of spreading misunderstanding or false beliefs. Therefore, it’s important for people to approach them as mere entertainment and always maintain critical thinking, relying on evidence-based judgments.

So, do you believe in superstitions and fortune-telling?

<Questions>

Q1. What kinds of superstitions exist in Japan and around the world?

 Let’s discuss superstitions you know and the underlying beliefs behind them.

Q2. What positive or negative impacts do superstitions and fortune-telling have on people’s lives and cultures?

 Let’s share your experience of behaving according to superstitions.

Q3. Advancements in AI will help resolve inexplicable mysteries and the use of AI for fortune-telling and destiny prediction will be increasing.

 So, do you think there is a possibility for AI to take on the role of fortune-tellers in the future, or AI and traditional fortune-telling can exist together?

 And do you think superstitions will also continue to exist in the future?

Let’s exchange our opinions of the future.

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