If in a battle, I seize a bit of debatable land with a handful of soldiers, without having done anything to prevent an enemy bombardment of the position, would it ever occur to me to speak of a conquest of the terrain in question? Obviously not. Then why should I do so in chess?
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the nature of claiming victory without proper strategy or defense.
Aron Nimzowitsch uses the metaphor of a battle to illustrate a point in chess about the importance of not merely occupying a position without securing it against potential threats. The quote emphasizes that claiming victory in any competitive field requires more than superficial success; it necessitates strategic foresight and adequate preparation to maintain that success.
In practice
This quote can be used in a chess club meeting to discuss the importance of strategic planning.
While Europe's eye is fix'd on mighty things, The fate of empires and the fall of kings; While quacks of State must each produce his plan, And even children lisp the Rights of Man; Amid this mighty fuss just let me mention, The Rights of Woman merit some attention.
The Noble Eight-Fold Path is the path of living in awareness. Mindfulness is the foundation. By practicing mindfulness, you can develop concentration, which enables you to attain understanding. Thanks to right concentration, you realize right awareness, thoughts, speech, action, livelihood and effort. The understanding which develops can liberate you from every shackle of suffering and give birth to true peace and joy.
Maybe right and wrong did not move, but understanding of them did. The wrenching pain of walking the same path, even for a short space, tore away the willingness to judge.
Let gratitude for the past inspire us with trust for the future.
It was a drowsy summer afternoon, and the Forest was full of gentle sounds, which all seemed to be saying to Pooh, 'Don't listen to Rabbit, listen to me.' So he got in a comfortable position for not listening to Rabbit.
The first-beginnings of things cannot be distinguished by the eye.
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