I’ve been somewhat bored lately, so I decided to rewatch one of my favorite anime, Detective School Q.
It’s by the same author as The Kindaichi Case Files, where I mentioned the plank of Carneades some time ago.
I’ve always been a huge fan of mystery-genre manga or anime like Detective School Q or Kindaichi, or Q.E.D. that introduced me to the legend of the killing stone!
Ah, it feels so nostalgic! I had indeed forgotten the details of most cases, so it was so refreshing to watch it again!
The all-white jigsaw puzzle
I completely forgot I had seen the jigsaw puzzle that had no images or colors other than plain white in Detective School Q before.
This all-white jigsaw puzzle appeared in the anime’s episode 7, “The Jigsaw Puzzle Will”, where it was used by the murder victim to leave a dying message.
The victim himself was described as a genius painter gifted with a photographic memory. He would never forget anything he saw, even if it was just a glance.
But far from a photographic memory, mine may not be much better than that of the painting elephant I wrote about last time. I’m such a forgetful person that I soon forget what I wanted to do several minutes ago!
I actually felt intrigued about this white jigsaw puzzle and wanted to check if it was really sold outside. So, I did some quick research.
And ta-da! There are indeed people willing to pay for this all-white jigsaw puzzle!
A jigsaw puzzle with no meaning or...?
I couldn’t help but wonder why such a jigsaw puzzle with only one color was created in the first place.
Is it only meant to offer an additional level of challenge and complexity for puzzle enthusiasts, with the only clue to placing all the pieces in their designated spots being their shapes?
Indeed, completing a single-color jigsaw puzzle demands extra observation, focus, and patience.
One reason I can think of so far is that people pursue what we call satisfaction from conquering the challenge.
It’s not bad at all, really.
Wouldn’t it be great if some could find satisfaction through solving monochromatic jigsaw puzzles?
Unexpected connections to and lessons about life
While it’s true that people may only seek fun and challenges from solving such a challenging jigsaw puzzle, I personally don’t feel right to accept the answer as it is.
And so, I, in my own way, try to see it from a different angle — what does this monochromatic puzzle represent and what can it teach us about life?
Here’s what I’ve got so far.
Symbolic representations:
1. Ambiguity and uncertainty: Life often presents challenges and situations without clear solutions or predefined paths, much like the ambiguity of a white puzzle. The absence of color in the puzzle pieces may symbolize uncertainty in various aspects of life.
2. Complexity of relationships: Life is filled with intricate relationships, and the white puzzle may represent the complexity of human connections. Assembling the puzzle involves understanding the relationships between pieces, mirroring the need to navigate relationships in life with an understanding of nuances and connections.
3. Journey vs. destination: Assembling a white puzzle is a process-oriented activity. Similarly, the analogy emphasizes the importance of focusing on the journey, personal growth, and the development of skills, rather than solely fixating on the end result or destination.
Life Lessons:
1. Appreciation for diversity: While a white puzzle lacks the colorful diversity of traditional puzzles, it highlights the beauty and intricacy that can emerge from simplicity. This serves as a reminder to appreciate the diversity in life, even when external differences are not immediately apparent.
2. Creativity and innovation: Life often requires creative thinking and innovation to overcome challenges. The absence of color in the puzzle pieces encourages us to think beyond conventional expectations and find unique solutions, mirroring the need for creative thinking in real-life situations.
3. Patience and persistence: Much like assembling a white puzzle, life often requires patience and persistence. Success may not be immediate, and the process may involve trial and error. The analogy encourages an understanding that progress can be gradual but is achievable with perseverance.
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Not bad at all, is it?