In 'The Grasshopper,' Bernard Suits explores the philosophical depths of play and the nature of human happiness through the allegorical journey of a grasshopper. The protagonist's quest reveals the contrast between the joy of unproductive leisure and the constraints of a work-oriented society. Suits poses provocative questions about the meaning of life: Should happiness be pursued as an ultimate goal, or is joy found in the act of playing itself? This thought-provoking narrative intertwines philosophy, ethics, and the essence of games, prompting readers to reconsider their own life choices. Prepare to be challenged and inspired as you dive into a world where the art of play is celebrated and dissected.
By Bernard Suits
Published: 2014
"The game of life is not merely about winning; it’s about embracing the play itself, finding joy in the pursuit rather than the outcome."
In the mid twentieth century the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein famously asserted that games are indefinable; there are no common threads that link them all. “Nonsense,” said the sensible Bernard Suits: “playing a game is a voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles.” The short book Suits wrote demonstrating precisely that is as playful as it is insightful, as stimulating as it is delightful. Through the jocular voice of Aesop's Grasshopper, a “shiftless but thoughtful practitioner of applied entomology,” Suits not only argues that games can be meaningfully defined; he also suggests that playing games is a central part of the ideal of human existence, and so games belong at the heart of any vision of Utopia. This new edition of The Grasshopper includes illustrations from Frank Newfeld created for the book’s original publication, as well as an introduction by Thomas Hurka and a new appendix on the meaning of ‘play.’
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“The game of life is not merely about winning; it’s about embracing the play itself, finding joy in the pursuit rather than the outcome.”
The Grasshopper - Third Edition
By Bernard Suits
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Bernard Suits (1917-20111) was a Canadian philosopher and author, best known for his work in the philosophy of games and play. His notable works include 'The Grasshopper: Games, Life and Utopia,' where he explores the nature of games and their significance in understanding human play and existence. Suits' writing style is characterized by its intellectual rigor and a playful yet profound exploration of philosophical concepts, often blending formal argumentation with imaginative examples.
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