James Carse says that in a finite game, like chess, being surprised is a sign that you are losing. Since you couldn’t see the move in advance, it means your opponent knows something you don’t. In an infinite game, such as life, however—where the goal is to keep the game alive, rather than “winning” or concluding—surprise is what you want. Surprise ensures drama, and drama ensures that the game remains alive and exciting.
What's Your Relationship to Surprise?
What's Your Relationship to Surprise?
What's Your Relationship to Surprise?
James Carse says that in a finite game, like chess, being surprised is a sign that you are losing. Since you couldn’t see the move in advance, it means your opponent knows something you don’t. In an infinite game, such as life, however—where the goal is to keep the game alive, rather than “winning” or concluding—surprise is what you want. Surprise ensures drama, and drama ensures that the game remains alive and exciting.