Exactly.
And how fulfilling is a life of partying, just as an example. Is that "having a life?"
As a kid maybe. But that's not much of a life from my perspective. I'd rather be going to chess tournaments and improving myself lol :)
But lets be more realistic and say the highlight of a person's day (or week or whatever) is going out with friends or family and having a nice meal and socializing. That's great. It's just not going to be the thing I look forward to all day or week.
right, and its all where you are at, socially.
for example- if you're in high school, you're math teacher might think this is a much better way to spend free time than to illegal drink and party....
on the other hand; with a guy who has a business career- he's peers might think its a terrible waste of time. "Golf" is the better hobby, as its such an accepted way that business guys recreate/smooze/'network'
... chess is CHESS nonetheless. I think it has its good points and if it fits with LIFE generally- it doesn't matter if others think its a good (or poor) use of your free time.
you will either have your own personal compelling reason to play/study it- or , at some defeat; you will have that Chess.com classic "goodbye cruel world- where you accuse most of your opponents of cheating"