Finite and Infinite Games

“Finite players play within boundaries; infinite players play with boundaries.”

A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, an infinite game for the purpose of continuing the play.

Only that which can change can continue: this is the principle by which infinite players live.

Author James Carse once wrote that “there are at least two kinds of games. 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.” As someone who cherishes independence, I’ve realized that rather than trying to win, my primary goal is to continue p... See more

Because infinite players prepare themselves to be surprised by the future, they play in complete openness. It is not an openness as in candor, but an openness as in vulnerability. It is not a matter of exposing one's unchanging identity, the true self that has always been, but a way of exposing one's ceaseless growth, the dynamic self that has yet ... See more