A game, in the broadest sense, is when you «voluntarily undertake unnecessary obstacles in order to create the experience of struggling to overcome them». And we humans love them, they bring joy and magic to our lives. That’s what the first part of this conversation with philosopher C. Thi Nguyen is about. The second part is how we overdo it. When everything in life becomes a game, sometimes even without us realising it. (Reminded me of this excellent essay and the distinction between finite and infinite games.)

From Weekly Filet #562, in February 2026.