Play Versus Work 2

In the Work system, death is introduced either economically (one may starve to death), or epistemologically (one becomes aware of death).

(In this period of growth of the individual, Knowledge and Economics are the same in the individual's view.  Knowledge-of is the equivalent of owning an asset.)

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Play Versus Work

Play is Learning in which the probability of long lasting systemic adverse consequences is extremely small.

Work is Learning in which the probability of long lasting systemic adverse consequences is of substantial size.

As we progress from childhood play to adulthood, the system we inhabit changes to one defined by the dismal science of economics, and lives themselves become valued by their utilities. In other words, death is built into the system.

The memory of a golden age, the story of Eden.

In the military, we have a combination of Play forced into the Work system, where a vanishing utility leads to death, but the actions of war are basically those of Play:  from paintball to snipers.

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