Finite and Infinite Games (James Carse)

James Carse, Director of Religious Studies at New York University, authored “Finite and Infinite Games”, exploring the difference between approaching life as a game with a definite endpoint versus one that goes on forever. In his book, he provides insights into these perspectives, guiding readers on when, how, and why to engage in each type of game. Ultimately, whether one adopts a finite or infinite game approach affects their daily outlook.

This concept extends to long-term sustainability issues. Finite players play to achieve victory, for the purpose of winning, often employing strategic maneuvers. When sustainability is approached with a winning mindset, there’s a temptation to cheat. Conversely, infinite players focus on the future, aiming to perpetuate the game. They prioritize readiness to confront any challenges that arise. The spirit of sustainability is akin to an infinite game, where there are no winners or losers, only ongoing interaction that benefits all sides. Besides, according to Carse, playing to win isn’t nearly as satisfying as playing to keep the game going.