Supported by extensive research and a life of social activism, Niki Harre's new book invites you to live life differently, improving yourself and your community.
Many of us are trapped in an endless competition for attention, status or wealth, says Niki. Whether its competing for a new job, growing a business or championing a cause there are winners and losers along the way. We are conditioned to believe that if we learn to play the game and follow the rules we will succeed.
However, life is truly a finite game says Niki and she urges us to flip our perspective and consider what we truly value, individually and collectively.
Divided into two parts, the first explores the implications of the finite and infinite games for our society. Niki questions the competitive structures that underpin our institutions and what this means for our communities. She examines our society, questioning whether we are participants or pawns and offers a vision of how we might live well together.
Part two is person oriented and inspires you to think and talk about the world we would like to live in, so we can help it into being. In this section, Niki expertly explores authenticity, learning, reflection and radical cooperation. Ultimately, her thought provoking writing provides a sense that you are part of something.
Niki Harre is associate professor of psychology at the University of Auckland. She is the author of numerous academic papers on community psychology, youth development and social change. Psychology for a Better World: Working with People to Save the Planet was recently revised and updated. Since 2012, Niki has been facilitating Infinite Game workshops.
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy Auckland University Press, RRP $29.99