Fischer’s genius outside the norm
Saturday, June 20, 2009 3:11 AM
By SHELBY LYMAN
I was intrigued by David Brooks’ op-ed article “Genius: The Modern View” in the May 1 New York Times.
Brooks presents recent scientific evidence that helps clarify the genesis of those we consider geniuses.
The central concept is practice — an often boring application — with the guidance of an expert. Geniuses are made, not born. Somewhere in the background, one or more role models serve as inspiration.
Interestingly, Brooks’ formulation breaks down when applied to Bobby Fischer, arguably the greatest chess player of all time.
True, the repetitive hard work was there.
And Fischer — an avid student of the history of chess — also had easily accessible role models, past and present.
But the American genius is notable by the extent to which he was self-inspired to achieve perfection.
I suspect that he rarely, if ever, considered the work he did mere practice or drudgery. For Fischer, who was always at the edge of a new frontier, chess was fun and exciting.
And, for the most part, he worked alone.
Fischer is perhaps the game’s foremost exception to the geniuses-are-made-not-born paradigm.
Source: http://www.columbusdispatch.com
He’s a once in a lifetime genius.
I don’t think Fischer was an exception. Of course, it was the energy and work that he invested that would allow him to play like this. But for Fischer it didn’t really feel like work. For him it was the most natural and the most beautiful way of communicating.
He was good at chess.
Did he go beyond chess or discover a new thing? Did he build chess for scholastic players?
No.
GM Polgar is a greater genius than Bobby. There are 7 different types of intelligence. Bobby maybe mastered 3 types, however GM Polgar excercises her brain beyond the 64 squares and fully uses her brain. A documentary proves this.
If anyone confuses GM Polgar’s abilities will be disappointed on and off the board.
Take that to the bank!
What about Capablanca? He was a notorious Chess slacker when it came to training. Surely he is more of an exception than Fischer?