Episode 102: What is Play?

Play Saves the World

In this episode, Daniel and Kevin explore the concept of play and its distinction from work. They discuss how play is fundamentally non-instrumental, meaning it is not a means to an end. Play can generate its own purpose and goals, which are often short-lived and inconsequential but deeply meaningful. They reference the work of philosopher Bernard Suits, who argues that our true human identity is as the grasshopper, a playful creature, despite societal pressures to be like the ant, focused on work. Play and games are interconnected, as play requires some structure or rules to create a sense of playfulness. Play is defined as the voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles. It is non-instrumental, meaning it is not a means to an end. Play is also unnecessary, but it is essential for human beings. It allows us to be fully human and brings meaning to our lives. Play can be structured or unstructured, but it always involves accepting certain obstacles or rules. It is distinct from work, which is instrumental and necessary for survival. Play is wired into our nature and is a fundamental part of being human.

Takeaways

Play is fundamentally non-instrumental, meaning it is not a means to an end
Play can generate its own purpose and goals, which are often short-lived and inconsequential but deeply meaningful
Our true human identity is as the grasshopper, a playful creature, despite societal pressures to be focused on work
Play and games are interconnected, as play requires some structure or rules to create a sense of playfulness Play is the voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles
It is non-instrumental and not a means to an end
Play is unnecessary but essential for human beings
It can be structured or unstructured, but always involves accepting certain obstacles or rules
Play is distinct from work, which is instrumental and necessary for survival
Play is wired into our nature and is a fundamental part of being human

Sound Bites

"Play is fundamentally non-instrumental"
"Play can generate its own end, its own goal"
"Our true human identity is as the grasshopper"
"The voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles"
"It is the necessary unnecessary to be human"
"Play is without a means to an end"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recap
11:12 The Non-Instrumental Nature of Play
30:49 Embracing Our Inner Grasshopper
32:53 Introduction and Dalek Voice
37:30 The Definition of Play
45:21 The Essentiality of Play
54:34 Structured vs Unstructured Play
56:21 The Distinction Between Play and Work
59:42 Wired for Play