What does it mean to "play the game"?

The phrase "play the game" can be interpreted in different ways depending on context. Here are two insightful perspectives from trusted experts:

1. Jocko Willink on the Jocko Podcast explains that viewing life as a game doesn't devalue it; rather, it's about recognizing that life has structure, rules, and objectives. Being aware of this helps you navigate life's challenges effectively. Ignoring these aspects can lead to significant losses, akin to not playing a game correctly and losing out 1.

2. C. Thi Nguyen, discussed on the The Ezra Klein Show, draws from Bernard Suits' definition, describing games as activities where we take on unnecessary obstacles to make overcoming them meaningful. Games are about following specific constraints, and their value lies in the constructed struggles and goals they provide. This makes games a medium of agency, where players adopt alternate selves to achieve set objectives 2.

These interpretations highlight that "playing the game" involves understanding and navigating structured environments, whether in life or within specific game contexts.