How Life Imitates Chess
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Is it possible to be overly rational in chess? If we disregard the intended pun in the title of Kasparov’s book, one can say that chess as a simulation of life is far from perfect. Chess is a zero sum game, life is not always. Chess is all about fight, when it is not, it does not fulfil its purpose, while life is hopefully more than just fight. It is fairly easy to describe how can one act overly rational in life: if in certain situations one is guided by ratio instead of by emotions, instinct or intuition, one is described as a calculated person, if one always looks for compensation, utility, and counterfavours and never for charity one cannot be descibed as generous, if one is strict in controlling expenses one is said to be cheap. How about chess?
Chess is not about fight, but the other word, purpose. Just like with every move, how you carry on with your life should have purpose too.
But then you mention how people look at chess players. Really now, is that how you measure your self-worth, by how idiots see you? Do what’s good and with all your best, and at the end of it all, you’ll be proud of your efforts.
But then you mention how people look at chess players. Really now, is that how you measure your self-worth, by how idiots see you? Do what’s good and with all your best, and at the end of it all, you’ll be proud of your efforts.