By positional play a master tries to prove and exploit true values, whereas by combinations he seeks to refute false values ... A combination produces an unexpected re-assessment of values.
Emanuel LaskerRead
Of my fifty-seven years I have applied at least thirty to forgetting most of what I have learned or read. Since then, I have acquired a certain ease and cheer which I should never again like to be without. (...) I have stored little in my memory, but I can apply that little, and it is of use in many and varied emergencies. I keep it in order, but resist every attempt to increase its dead weight.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the value of practical knowledge over rote memorization.
Emanuel Lasker reflects on his life experiences, suggesting that he has spent a significant portion of his life letting go of unnecessary information. Instead of focusing on accumulating knowledge, he finds value in applying the essential information he retains, which has equipped him to handle various situations with ease. Lasker's perspective highlights the importance of understanding and utilizing knowledge rather than merely trying to remember everything.
Themes
KnowledgeWisdomMemoryApplicationLearning
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on education, one might reference Lasker's quote to advocate for practical learning.
More from Emanuel Lasker
All quotes →The game gives us a satisfaction that Life denies us. And for the Chess player, the success which crowns his work, the great dispeller of sorrows, is named 'combination'.
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The laws of chess do not permit a free choice: you have to move whether you like it or not.
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When Alekhine recognizes the weakness in his position he has a tendency to become very aggressive. Patient defence is not for him if he can see the slightest chance of creating an attack. Yet sound strategy often demands that you submit to the opponent's will so as to strengthen your weaknesses and get rid of defects in your game.
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Truth derives its strength not so much from itself as from the brilliant contrast it makes with what is only apparently true. This applies especially to Chess, where it is often found that the profoundest moves do not much startle the imagination.
Emanuel LaskerRead
He who has a slight disadvantage plays more attentively, inventively and more boldly than his antagonist who either takes it easy or aspires after too much. Thus a slight disadvantage is very frequently seen to convert into a good, solid advantage.
Emanuel LaskerRead
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