Reactions to Bobby Fischer

Recently I have become very interested in Bobby Fischer, his personality and life, not his chess games. I watch interviews, documentaries, most of which are terrible, and read articles and books wherever I can find them.

Everywhere on the internet where there is mention of Bobby Fischer, including this website, there, invariably are comments like this.

"There is no "misunderstanding" of Fisher only clarity. Fisher was a great chess player and a wretched human being. When Shapp responded to Fisher's vicious attack on his father as shown in the last video note that Fisher had no response but to nod. He knew what a horror of human being he was and the world is better off to be rid of this hate-filled, hate spewing, ingrate, and anti-Semite."

But why? I honestly can not understand how anyone can take a look, at least more than a passing glance, at Fischers life and objectively come away with the view that he was some sort of monster.

From what I understand of Fischer he is to be pitied, not hated.

I really wish they could spell his name correctly at least when they are spewing their own hate filled venom against him. I once had 2 friends that hated each other. I never let their dislike of each other taint my own friendship with either of them. I did quickly learn though not to believe friend A concerning friend B and vice versa ! It is never wise to take the word of haters concerning those they hate...... NEVER.

Dear James, ALL GENIUS are strage creatures, and from my point of view, they had to be "Judged" only in the field of their genius deeds and/or  at least by persons that are geniuses himselfs! In private life they (at least the majotity of them) are not the persons I would like to communicate more than 2-3 hours a week!

Alex

Well, quite possibly Fischer had Asperger disorder, and although you may want to feel sorry for him, after the 9/11 attacks he stated that the victims DESERVED IT!! He beleived that the Jews were involved in a mass conspiracy to exterminate elephants, etc.

Chess skills aside, Bobby Fischer may not have been the nicest person who ever lived.

Bobby was not a nice person at the end of his life--you need to separate your admiration for his chess playing ability from his personality. He also donated his money to a cult (Armstrong's church) not the Vatican (Catholic Church).

Bobby was able to hate groups( Jews) but like individuals on the groups ( Reshevsky)--I think we should enjoy his chess for what it is pure beauty and try and forget about his personality away from the board.

 I agree. Fischer was a Beethoven over the board,and that's why we are discussing him now...he had the most profound impact upon the chess establishment and chess world...lighting up the game with beautiful ideas and games....how he became later does not interest me...nor should it,he'd given up playing chess....