Book notes - Finite and Infinite Games

I finally got round to reading Finite and Infinite Games, a book that’s been on my reading list for several years. Of the hundreds of non-fiction books I’ve read, this is probably the most esoteric and hard to read. Derek Sivers described it as: “maybe the most abstract book you’ll ever read.” That said, I’m glad I stuck with it. The core concept is a powerful one that applies to many aspects of life. The book was published in 1986 by James P. Carse, a professor of religious studies. Some chapters feel dated and read awkwardly. Here are some of my notes, along with the ideas and concepts I came away with. There are two kinds of games: finite and infinite. “A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, an infinite game for the purpose of continuing the play.” A finite game has fixed rules, boundaries, and an agreed ending. It is played for the purpose of winning. Think chess, a job interview, or an election. An infinite game has no fixed rules or boundaries. The purpose is to…