Explore the pervasive influence of scoring systems in modern life with The Score by philosopher C. Thi Nguyen. This practical and motivational book examines how metrics, from fitness trackers to social media likes, are weaponizing external validation and warping personal values, forcing us to prioritize what is measurable over what is truly meaningful.

Nguyen, a self-described lover of games, argues that while scoring systems are everywhere, we must become aware of their immersive power to reclaim agency and chart a path toward more creative and joyful lives—ultimately learning to play our own game.

• Examines the gamification of everyday life, including social media, fitness tracking, and institutional rankings.
• Offers philosophical insight into how external scoring systems capture and redirect personal value systems.
• Provides a framework for becoming aware of immersive game mechanics to foster more creative and joyful living.
• Praised as a "brilliant warning about the gamification of everyday life" (Tim Clare, Guardian).

• Author: C. Thi Nguyen
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Publication Date: January 13, 2026
• Print Length: 368 pages
• ISBN-10: 0241653975
• ISBN-13: 978-0241653975
• Dimensions: 16.1 x 3.3 x 24 cm
• Weight: 500 g

If you feel constrained by external metrics and are seeking a way to prioritize personal meaning over monetized data, The Score offers the necessary awareness to step back and start playing by your own rules.