Episode 23: Infinite and Finite Games, An Exegesis

James Carse wrote a definitive book on play called, “Finite and Infinite Games.” The book explains how life is composed of two differ- ent kinds of games – finite and infinite. The basic difference between the two is that finite games are played to win, and infinite games are played merely to continue the process of play. Carse’s book provides a brilliant expansion upon these definitions, showing how these two kinds of games unfold into all sectors of life and culture. Infinite games bears striking similarities to divine play. What follows is a lengthy exegesis on one key passage of Carse’s text, bringing these similarities into focus, and revising the passage itself by following Carse’s logic to its more playful extremes.