SECTION 6 Of Recognition by Sight

In Flatland, recognition by sight is a complex and refined process, practiced mainly among the higher classes in more temperate regions. Although it is impossible to distinguish individuals by sight alone in many parts of Flatland, where all figures appear as straight lines, this ability becomes possible due to the presence of fog. In areas with significant fog, objects at a distance appear dimmer, allowing residents to distinguish shapes based on the varying levels of dimness. The practice of recognition by sight relies on this visual phenomenon, where figures at different distances appear with varying brightness and clarity.

For example, when encountering two individuals, a Merchant (Equilateral Triangle) and a Physician (Pentagon), one can recognize them by the varying degrees of dimness of their extremities. The Merchant’s extremities will appear much dimmer than those of the Physician, as the Merchant’s sides recede more rapidly into the fog. Through years of training and constant observation, educated Flatlanders can learn to identify individuals and distinguish between different ranks with considerable accuracy.

However, recognition by sight is not always straightforward. If a figure like the Father (a Triangle) presents his side instead of his angle, it can be difficult to determine his identity without further observation. Similarly, recognizing a Hexagonal figure requires more subtle interpretation, as the figure’s sides will not all appear equally bright. The complexities of sight recognition increase when multiple figures are in motion, making it a skill that demands great expertise.

This art of sight recognition is taught in institutions like the University of Wentbridge, where the elite of society are trained. It is a difficult and time-consuming skill, accessible only to those with the resources to dedicate time and money to mastering it. Even the most advanced mathematicians find challenges in recognizing figures in motion within a crowded space, illustrating the intellectual demands of this practice.