Finite and Infinite Games
James P. Carse
31 people recommended it in 19 threads, 2010–2024.
6 commenters pushed back on it — worth reading the threads.
What people on Hacker News said
No book has every so subtly had an impact on my life every day. The finite vs. infinite way of looking at the world has changed the way I think and act completely on the inside, yet it's probably hardly noticable on the outside.
To me it is a concise and broadly applicable way to see the world.
It's one of those books that changes how you view interactions with others, and puts things into perspective.
For me, I’ve found the book useful in understanding activities in a way that reduces my stress and helps me interact with people.
It’s slim and user friendly to a fault, and would be easy to underestimate at first glance, but imho contains great wisdom and beauty.
Changed the way I think about the rat race, how the rules are agreed upon, what we mean when we think about winners and losers. Gave me a nice framework for dealing with all these roles I take on.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything? 2019 · 6 recommendations
- Ask HN: Which books have made you introspect? 2018 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: Books for Reevaluation of Life 2022 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: Which books have you read more than once? 2020 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What are the best unknown books you have read? 2020 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What's one book that changed your life? 2018 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What books have made the biggest impact on your mental models? 2017 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What's the "best" book you've ever read? 2024 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What is the best book you have read with the greatest impact on you? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which book can attract anyone towards your field of study? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What book changed your life? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which book/essay changed your life? 2021 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you plan to read in 2020? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best book / resources on leadership, especially for tech teams? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What was the one book that you read and it actually changed your life? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What is the most mind blowing book you've ever read? 2015 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best books you read in 2012 2012 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best book you read in 2010 and briefly why 2010 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best Philosophical Books? 2010 · 1 recommendation