Games
In life there is two types of games.
The first is finite games. Finite fames are defined by rules, and can only end when there is a winner. The objective of a finite game is to win. The rules are defined externally by the contractual terms by which a winner is chosen. Sports competitions are the ultimate finite games. Whether it is a World Cup, the olympics, the World Series or the Super Bowl, it is defined by known players, set rules and a team that comes out on top. Not everyone can be a World Cup winner, prefect, valedictorian, CEO or president, but there are other positions, which are typically assigned at the end of the game once the winner is announced.
The second type is infinite games. Infinite games are much more subtle and complex. It is made up of known and unknown players and the objective of an infinite game is to keep playing. The terms of the game are determined internally, and the rules and boundaries shift over the course of play to prevent anyone from winning. Finite games can be played within infinite games, however the winning or losing of such games is not the be all end all. They merely serve as moments within the infinite game.
Players
Most finite players are oblivious to their own ability to exit games. The rules of most games are abstract, and live within the shared imagination of society. Furthermore the consequences of exiting said games are also abstract. When we frame our life solely as a bundle of finite games, we restrict our decision-making and thinking to within the boundaries of the games. It is for this reason that whatever actions finite players make is deemed as what they must do as opposed to what they choose to do.
Finite players play to win, and they play to win titles. Titles point towards the past. To speak of power one holds is to speak of what they have already done, and communicates nothing of what they are now, or what they seek to do in the future. Winners must continue to prove that they are winners so as to uphold their power. In doing so we place self-imposed limitations to our perspective, and continue slaving in finite games: getting the pay rise, getting the best grades, lifting the most weight. The problem is that playing finite games means competing with others. For me to win you must lose.
Infinite players play to keep the game going. Titles and power are of little importance. Becoming more educated, practicing better habits, being healthy, being loved by those you love. These sorts of games cannot be won. There is no stepping off point in an infinite game, and competition is reduced to just one person: yourself. Finite games are not avoided by infinite players either. It’s just that the result matters far less. It merely serves as a stepping stone for pursuing the higher purpose identified by the games we cannot finish.
You do not win at getting in shape, the point is to stay in shape.
You do not win in marriage, the point is to stay married.
You do not win in business, the point is to stay in business.
If we apply a finite frame onto an infinite structure we lose the point of the game. Actions taken for the purposes of winning do not always serve the goal of staying in the game.
What game are you playing?
Just Something To Consider.
🔗 Sources
Carse, J. (1986). Finite and infinite games. Free Press.
Eliason, N. Finite and infinite games by James Carse. https://www.nateliason.com/notes/finite-infinite-games-james-carse
Generate Insights. Simon Sinek: Finite vs infinite games. YouTube