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The Weirdest Book We've Read? - Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse

The Weirdest Book We've Read? - Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse

Update: 2025-09-08
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In this episode of Book Overflow, Carter and Nathan discuss Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse! Join them as they discuss the difference between finite and infinite games, the book's philosophy, and how on earth this all relates to software engineering.


-- Want to talk with Carter or Nathan? Book a coaching session! --

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Carter

https://www.joinleland.com/coach/carter-m-1


Nathan

https://www.joinleland.com/coach/nathan-t-2


-- Books Mentioned in this Episode --

Note: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse

https://amzn.to/4649Fg4


Lecture referenced in the episode:

https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Finite-and-Infinite-Games-Audiobook/1615449906

Comments section that includes Mitchell Hashimoto AI discussion

https://lobste.rs/s/pqy0pp/where_s_shovelware_why_ai_coding_claims

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00:00 Intro

00:57 About the Book and Author

03:35 Initial Thoughts on Finite and Infinite Games

10:33 The Core Thesis - Finite vs Infinite Games

21:37 The Genius of Myself

34:50 The Sexuality Chapter Discussion

45:15 Machines vs Gardens - Control and Nature

56:30 Waste as Product

1:03:52 AI and Tech Debt - Trading Drudgery

1:11:25 Hot Takes

1:17:33 Final Thoughts

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5kj6DLCEWR5nHShlSYJI5L

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-overflow/id1745257325

X: https://x.com/bookoverflowpod

Carter on X: https://x.com/cartermorgan

Nathan's Functionally Imperative: www.functionallyimperative.com


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Book Overflow is a podcast for software engineers, by software engineers dedicated to improving our craft by reading the best technical books in the world. Join Carter Morgan and Nathan Toups as they read and discuss a new technical book each week!


The full book schedule and links to every major podcast player can be found at https://www.bookoverflow.io

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The Weirdest Book We've Read? - Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse

The Weirdest Book We've Read? - Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse

Carter Morgan and Nathan Toups