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Sometimes the hardest thing to do in a pressure situation is to allow the tension to persist. The temptation is to make a decision, any decision, even if it is an inferior choice.
Garry Kasparov
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Interpretation

What this quote means

In tense situations, resisting the urge to quickly decide can be crucial for better outcomes.

Garry Kasparov's quote addresses the challenge of maintaining composure when faced with pressure. It highlights that in stressful moments, the instinct may be to act immediately, but often, the most prudent course of action is to allow the tension to exist. This patience can lead to better decision-making, rather than rushing into potentially inferior choices.

Themes

Decision MakingPressureTensionPatienceWisdom

In practice

Example use cases

During a team meeting about strategy under tight deadlines, this quote can encourage members to consider all options before rushing a decision.

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Botvinnik tried to take the mystery out of Chess, always relating it to situations in ordinary life. He used to call chess a typical inexact problem similar to those which people are always having to solve in everyday life.
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One does not succeed by sticking to convention. When your opponent can easily anticipate every move you make, your strategy deteriorates and becomes commoditized.
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I think that it's a vital moment now for Russian democracy to convince people that it's only our actions, our joined actions and protests that could force Kremlin to reconsider its plans to abolish presidential elections.
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I learned that fighting on the chess board could also have an impact on the political climate in the country.
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