#217

Mentioned in 63 episodes

Finite and infinite games

Book • 1986

In this book, James P. Carse distinguishes between finite and infinite games.

Finite games are instrumental activities with clear rules, boundaries, and winners, such as sports, politics, and wars.

Infinite games, on the other hand, are authentic interactions that aim to continue the play, changing rules and boundaries as needed.

Carse explores how these concepts apply to various aspects of life, including culture, religion, sexuality, and self-discovery.

He argues that finite games offer wealth, status, and power, while infinite games provide something more subtle and grander, such as true freedom and endless possibility.

The book offers insights into how approaching life as either a finite or infinite game affects one's choices, satisfaction, and success.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 63 episodes

Recommended by

Tobi Lütke

and

Lenny Rachitsky

for its insights into different approaches to competition and life.

Tobi Lütke’s leadership playbook: Playing infinite games, operating from first principles, and maximizing human potential (founder and CEO of Shopify)

Mentioned by

Bill Gurley

in the context of finite and infinite games.

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Mentioned by

Tim Ferriss

as a relevant read for understanding different approaches to life's games.

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Mentioned by

Unknown Speaker

as one of their favorite books, explaining the core thesis of finite vs infinite games.

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Mentioned by

Nat Eliason

and

Ali Abdaal

as a book that explores the concept of finite versus infinite games in life.

Chasing Success vs True Fulfilment - Nat Eliason

Mentioned by

Lenny Rachitsky

as a book espousing the idea of playing infinite games for greater happiness and fulfillment.

Jason Fried challenges your thinking on fundraising, goals, growth, and more

Mentioned by

Christopher Begg

in the context of contrasting finite and infinite games.

RWH056: Calm Amid The Storm w/ Christopher Begg

Mentioned by

Peter Attia

and

Ric Elias

in relation to business and life strategies.

#241 ‒ Living intentionally, valuing time, prioritizing relationships, and more keys to a rich life | Ric Elias (Part 2)

Mentioned by

Derek Thompson

while discussing finite and infinite games in the context of cultural trends.

Derek Thompson: From Acting to the Eminem of Macroeconomic Analysis

Recommended by Patrick Collison and Toby.

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Mentioned by

Seth Godin

as the original author of the concept of finite and infinite games.

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Mentioned by

Jamie Wheal

as the author of the concept of finite and infinite games.

485. The Rebirth of God: Pathology and Promise | Jamie Wheal

Mentioned by

Brett Kistler

when discussing finite and infinite games.

Connection over Perfection — Master Class Series #3

Mentioned as a book that Patrick Collison and Toby recommended to

Peter Fenton

.

Uncapped #18 | Peter Fenton from Benchmark

Mentioned by

Brad Gerstner

when discussing finite vs. infinite games in the context of AI.

Ep13. Silicon Valley’s Political 180, META AI, COVID Postmortem | BG2 w/ Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner

Mentioned by

Graham Duncan

for its insights into different approaches to life and competition.

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Recommended by

Liv Boeree

as a book that encapsulates the concept of finite and infinite games.

Liv Boeree: Poker Rules Of Life, Game Theory, AI & Effective Altruism

Mentioned by

Patrick O'Shaughnessy

in the context of a discussion about infinite games.

Tobi Lütke - Embrace the Unexpected - [Invest Like the Best, EP. 278]

Mentioned by

Bryan Johnson

in the discussion about the meaning of life and different types of games.

#186 – Bryan Johnson: Kernel Brain-Computer Interfaces

Mentioned by

Mike Schmitz

as the canonical source for the concept of finite and infinite games.

189: Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

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