Warriors honed skills with royal game
Saturday June 30, 2012 9:40 AM
By Shelby Lyman
Chess appeals to something deep in the human psyche. To novelist and essayist Ayn Rand, the appeal was its intellectual function.
The process of thinking, she said, is “man’s basic means of survival.”
It is true, of course, that effective thinking makes for effective decision- making and action.
Chess sets accompanied Napoleon, Robert E. Lee and King Charles XII of Sweden — all avid players — on their military campaigns. Was it mere coincidence that they scored brilliant strategic victories despite inferior forces?
Was it mere whimsy that caused heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis to immerse himself in chess for several hours on the day of each title bout despite the vocal displeasure of his trainer, Emanuel Steward?
Is it possible that Lewis’ ability to sense critical moments and deliver decisive blows was enhanced by intuitions developed at the chessboard?
Immersion in chess can also strengthen our courage, ingenuity and ability to deal with adversity.
Benjamin Franklin said: “We learn (from chess) the habit of not being discouraged by present appearances in the state of our affairs, . . . of persevering in the search of resources.”
Source: http://www.dispatch.com
Very true.