There is currently a growing, dim recognition of the ongoing convergence of work and play. It is slow and patchy as yet, and very unevenly distributed, but it’s taking root.

But much of the excitement around the trend is wishful thinking (imagining work lose the parts you don’t like in merging with play), delusional (playing pure games and imagining it is work), or cynical (much of “gamification”).

The play-like soul of the future of work will manifest in a different way: work becoming continuously challenging and therefore stimulating. Work requiring imagination. Work acquiring ludic qualities. Work fostering deep immersion.

“The above various special studies were, however, of no importance compared with the habit of energetic industry and of concentrated attention to whatever I was engaged in, which I then acquired. Everything about which I thought or read was made to bear directly on what I had seen and was likely to see; and this habit of mind was continued during the five years of the voyage. I feel sure that it was this training which has enabled me to do whatever I have done in science.”

In an age of infinite leverage, judgement is the most important skill. Leverage is a force multiplier for your judgement.

“Spend time with those you love, because some day you’ll say either "I wish I had” or “I’m glad I did”“