Why Describe Life as a "Game?"
When playing a game like Poker or Chess, there is a rulebook with a clear set of instructions to follow. If I have a high understanding of the game’s concepts and master its strategy, my chances of winning are high. This set logistical system embedded in most games provides a basis for players to improve and succeed with effort, practice, and dedication. There are rarely conflicts of confusion that slow people down and cause unnecessary setbacks, for the components, rules, and tools of the game are already established.
I’ve always loved games. Their structure provides space for creativity and advancement that keeps me engaged for long periods of time. This set framework also eliminates the element of the unknown, and there is something relieving to me about this; I usually have an idea of what I need to do to get to a certain point in a game even if it’s challenging.
In life, it’s often the complete opposite. How do I “succeed?” What does it mean to be a good person? How can I be the best version of myself? These open-ended goals many of us work towards in the long-term don’t come with instructions like most games do. We are thrown into this complicated world and are expected to figure things out on our own. There is no “rule book," and there is little to no framework.
That’s when I began thinking: how can I best navigate the complexity of life? As a curious twenty-two year-old girl with many passions and goals, I wish to “succeed” in and live my life to the fullest. Despite all of the variations, I’ve found that there are certain elements of life that work in specific ways, and so, I’ve begun writing my own rulebook: a collection of observations and lessons that have evolved into guidelines for how to live life.
As I experience, notice, and gather my thoughts, I want an outlet to share them. This is no final product; the rulebook is still in the making. With every blog post, I am building my analogy further. These are just my observations and ideas– a place to reflect upon life and piece together the Game of Life.
About Me
Hi, I'm Gaya. I have a dual degree in Business Management and Dance and a minor in Philosophy from the University of Maryland, College Park. My mission is to explore the academic world across multiple areas. I value interdisciplinary work, investigating the parallels between creativity and logic, freedom and structure, and the body and brain. I'm interested in innovating new ideas and thinking about life in different ways. Sometimes I express these philosophical ideas through movement. I love games and believe they are a powerful tool that can enhance life in various practical circumstances. I also believe gamification can be used to describe life itself.
