Did you choose it yourself?

Hello.
This is Aoyagi.

Thank you to everyone who commented on last week's column, "Reframing."

I've replied to your comments, so I hope you'll take a look.


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Now, this week's column is about, "Are you making your own choices?"

I read a lot of books, so the inspiration for this column is a short story I recently came across in one of them.

It really made me think.


It's a story that feels like it could happen in the not-too-distant future.





You wake up in the morning, and AI suggests the optimal clothes and breakfast for the day.

Everything is "optimized" based on your physical condition, activity history, weather, and more.

The same goes for lunch and dinner.

Commuting, work, breaks—everything is arranged efficiently.

Even your bedtime is presented as the best time for your health.

It's perfect.

But one day, you suddenly wonder.


"Is this really what I want to do?"


The next day, the protagonist deliberately doesn't follow the AI.

They wear what they want, eat what they want, and do what they want.

As a result, naturally, it becomes an inefficient and unhealthy day.

The AI says:

"Today's actions were inefficient, and health risks are also possible. Let's readjust starting tomorrow."

It's logically correct.

But the protagonist has no regrets about that day at all.

On the contrary, they feel somewhat fulfilled.





The answers provided by AI are probably quite correct.

They're efficient, rational, and have few errors.

But I don't think that necessarily equates to "satisfaction" or "enjoyment."


Since what one prioritizes in life varies from person to person, there are certainly those who find happiness in living according to optimal solutions.

What I realized is important is to then make decisions and act based on your own will, with your own clear understanding.


AI suggestions, internet information, opinions from trusted people—they are all valuable.

I think we live in an era where the sheer volume of information has increased dramatically compared to the past, making "good judgments" easier.

But ultimately, how you act should be decided by you.

Because you are the one actually taking action.

If you weren't truly convinced, you wouldn't do it.


"Because the AI said so."
"Because it was written online."
"Because someone else said so."


I still think these excuses are pretty lame.

Whether things go well or fail, if you made the choice yourself, you should be able to accept either outcome.


Are you truly making your own choices today?