What do you think of this old quote by Paul Morphy?

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Avatar of SonofaBishop67

#22

Avatar of Jonnie-Snow
helltank wrote:

Paul Morphy seems like an unknowleadgeable bunkerhead, to be honest. It doesn't take that long to play chess well, especially when you're twelve like me and don't exactly have to pay the bills or worry about oil prices.

Stupid kid, you're under 900 blitz and under 1300 in every other time control. You absolutely SUCK at chess and have no idea what it means to play well.

Avatar of Wardaddy_1985

That statement was subjective. Morphy was just true to himself, and we can not comprehend or relate much, because Morphy was a true example of a genius and we are not. We can not attain the level of play Morphy had. Just look the high regard Fischer had for Morphy, that if he could have access to all these theory in 1 year, Morphy would beat them all. Fischer, eventually said that Chess is becoming a lousy game at the endgame of his life, whereas, Morphy realized it much younger though.

Avatar of An_OP_Chess_Gamer

hi

Avatar of felynome

🤔 Alright, let's break down that Paul Morphy quote!

Morphy, a legendary chess player, is making a witty observation here...

"The ability to play chess is the sign of a gentleman." This part suggests that knowing how to play chess was seen as a mark of education and refinement in his time. It was a game enjoyed by the upper class, associating chess with intelligence and social standing.

"The ability to play chess well is the sign of a wasted life." This is where the humor and the sting come in. Morphy, who dedicated his life to chess, is implying that becoming too good at the game might come at the expense of other pursuits and experiences. He's playfully suggesting that excessive focus on chess could lead to a less balanced life.

Essentially, Morphy is poking fun at the dedication required to excel in chess, perhaps from the perspective of someone who experienced it firsthand. It's a clever and self-deprecating remark! 🫠