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Finite and Infinite Players
We are all players in the human drama. The way we play — by which I mean, the underlying reason — is what determines whether we play finitely, or infinitely.
Of finite and infinite play, only one of these modalities exists to win, and end play for everyone. In the process, it limits our collective reach, as human beings. Finite play issues, frankly, from a broken spirit, or soul. The other, by contrast, exists to continue play — without prejudice, or end — and in the process, it powerfully amplifies us, both individually and as a species. Powerful play is, paradoxically, unconcerned with its own power.
It exists only for the moment — for playing.
Finite Play
Finite play is rule-based. It is played within a contained set of boundaries. It is full of labels. And judgments. And fear. It is antagonistic, and combative, in that the only reason one plays finitely is to win a contest, and to be recognized by others as the decisive victor. In this sense, without an audience, there is no finite play; because without one, there is no one to recognize the title won, which therefore loses all of its value. Titles are only valuable when someone recognizes them. If not, they are as meaningless as claiming to be the ruler of your sock drawer.
Because titles — and their recognition — are the point of finite play, then once a game concludes, the victor lives to protect the past. That is, the now-past contest, in which the title was won. Victors spend the rest of their lives defending their past achievements, because these become inextricable from their identity. Esq. LEED. Ph.D. CEO. Prime Minister. Superbowl XXXIX. Dr. Executive Vice President. Millionaire. Mile-High clubber. Donor. Republican. Christian. MBA. Saint. Guru. Officer. Duchess. Emir. Top 10. Trending.
Finite players look backward, and view the present and the future only as potential threats to past victories. Whether in sports, or religion, or government, or business, or elsewhere, threats to our victories are everywhere. Thus finite players are fearful.
James Carse, the author of the tiny, incredibly dense book, Finite and Infinite Games, says:
