Finite and Infinite Games - James Carse

Finite and Infinite Games

By James Carse

  • Release Date: 2011-10-11
  • Genre: Philosophy
Score: 4
4
From 51 Ratings

Description

“There are at least two kinds of games,” states James P. Carse as he begins this extraordinary book. “One could be called finite; the other infinite. A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, an infinite game for the purpose of continuing the play.”

Finite games are the familiar contests of everyday life; they are played in order to be won, which is when they end. But infinite games are more mysterious. Their object is not winning, but ensuring the continuation of play. The rules may change, the boundaries may change, even the participants may change—as long as the game is never allowed to come to an end.

What are infinite games? How do they affect the ways we play our finite games? What are we doing when we play—finitely or infinitely? And how can infinite games affect the ways in which we live our lives?

Carse explores these questions with stunning elegance, teasing out of his distinctions a universe of observation and insight, noting where and why and how we play, finitely and infinitely. He surveys our world—from the finite games of the playing field and playing board to the infinite games found in culture and religion—leaving all we think we know illuminated and transformed. Along the way, Carse finds new ways of understanding everything, from how an actress portrays a role to how we engage in sex, from the nature of evil to the nature of science. Finite games, he shows, may offer wealth and status, power and glory, but infinite games offer something far more subtle and far grander.

Carse has written a book rich in insight and aphorism. Already an international literary event, Finite and Infinite Games is certain to be argued about and celebrated for years to come. Reading it is the first step in learning to play the infinite game.

Reviews

  • And all the world is a stage

    4
    By clarkeperformance
    I have learned power is in the space in between, in relationship, in story. This recasting of story from cannons to bells resonates with relationships promise. So much here I gratefully received. Such as “For this reason it can be said that where a society is defined by its boundaries, a culture is defined by its horizon.” I find myself in a strange place. I cannot recommend this book. I would recommend you go look at an open minded vs closed minded infographic, but if you have adventured through those horizons and this review resonates with you, then maybe it is time.
  • Life Changing

    5
    By MKGSs
    I have frequently returned to this book for wisdom after 10 years of having it and always find something new. I have given it to many friends as well.
  • An incredible find

    5
    By Aliota
    Recommended to me by a friend, this is an incredibly insightful book about life, career and management. It is written clearly without extraneous prose; which I was thankful for, given the dense ideas.
  • My favorite book

    5
    By El Word
    This one of my favorite books ever! Not a long book but full of things that will make u think. I'd recommend this book to anyone