Monopoly – A Finite Game
I love synchronicity. This week, Seth Godin’s podcast was on finite and infinite games. This reminded me of a post I wrote on this subject way back in 2012 and also inspired by Seth Godin. It was first a response to an article written by Patti Digh, which pointed to this article. The term came up again as I was reading Seth Godin’s book, The Icarus Deception, where he referenced a book by James Carse, Finite and Infinite Games. So, I decided to read the Carse book, which blew my mind. Here’s a summary below.
Finite Games have fixed rules and boundaries and come to an end. There is a winner and a loser (often multiple losers). Yet, they play by choice. Players can be serious and determined or just out to have fun. They try to predict and control the outcome based on the past. And, their goal is to survive at all costs.
Monopoly is a finite game and so are sporting events. Most of us enjoy playing finite games. Which ones are your favourites and why?
Infinite Games have no “fixed” rules or boundaries. In these games everything is a choice, even whether to follow the rules. There are no winners or losers or even an ending. The purpose and goal is to keep the game going and to have everyone participate.
Do you know of any games like this? If you were to think of life in general (not just yours) as a game, would you want it to be finite or infinite?
It’s quite natural to play the game of life as a finite game. Our bodies have been hardwired to survive at all costs. We’ve been conditioned to think in terms of winners and losers. Yet, our minds have evolved to the point where an infinite game is possible. What does that look like?
Characteristics of Infinite Players
- Their purpose is to keep everyone playing.
- The rules of the game change in order to prevent the game from ending.
- The play transforms them and they take pleasure in surprise.
- Everything that happens is of consequence.
- They are continually learning.
- They always sees new horizons, new visions, new ranges of possibilities, no matter the cost to themselves.
- The future is always open.
- They are transparent and vulnerable and there is no deception or manipulation.
- They are not competitive with others.
- It is okay to start things they cannot finish
- They believe that the future belongs to all
- Actions are initiated so that others can initiate their own.
- They do not oppose the actions of others.
- Everyone and everything is seen as ceaselessly changing.
- There is no need to survive exactly as they are.
- They recognize that they have a choice in every situation.
- They are vulnerable and expect to be transformed by others.
- Each moment is a time to begin again.
Sounds like contemplation to me. Who do you know that operates as an infinite player?
Often, the world of photography seems very much a finite game. Who can get the most likes or comments? Who can win this contest or award? When do you become an expert? Let’s all try to approach photography as an infinite game, where everyone can play. Remember that there is no one right way. Keep evolving, learning, growing, transforming and allow others to do the same.
If this intrigues you, do listen to Seth Godin’s podcast on the subject.
** Books mentioned have Amazon affiliate links, meaning I make a few cents if you purchase through my link. I only recommend books that I’ve read.
An inspirational post, full of great wisdom. You always bring so much to the table and I learn so much from you.
Thank you Brenda. I so appreciate your comments.
I think you are right, Kim. We tend to get fooled into thinking life is about winning and losing, and that we need to come out on top. We also live as though life were a performance (maybe that’s why the thought of starting something I can’t finish sounds so challenging).
Some of these characteristics mean pushing way out of that mindset, but that way we become more flexible and open to possibility.
Hello Kim, the phrase above:”they are not competitive with others” jumps out at me. So much seems to be about competition these days: sport, dancing, having the latest iPhone, even photography… what a stress! Is this the true purpose of life?
My favourite line is: “they touch others from their centre”
That book by James Carse seems to present things as I like to feel them (when I am well and truly centred)!
This is such a thought provoking post, full of so many bits of wisdom and truth. The statement that stands out for me is “they see themselves and everything and everyone else as ceaselessly changing”.
I enjoy seeing how certain characteristics resonate with different people. It certainly was a thought provoking book.
Fantastic post, Kim! I am so deeply resonating with this experience of self and other these days. Can’t wait to read the book.