It's true that in chess as in politics, fund-raising and glad-handing matter.
Interpretation
Chess and politics share similarities, particularly in the importance of networking and support.
Garry Kasparov suggests that success in both chess and politics hinges not only on skill and strategy but also on the ability to build relationships, garner support, and navigate social dynamics. Fund-raising and glad-handing—working the room and making connections—are essential components in achieving one’s goals, whether on the chessboard or in political arenas.
In practice
During a panel discussion on strategy in politics, you might use this quote to emphasize the need for relationship-building.
There is no one that can share your responsibility. It it is your responsibility you must carry it on and you must be responsible for your actions. At the end of the day we all are being challenged, sooner or later, by our destiny. And it's up to us to make all the difference in this life. If not you, who else?
Setbacks and losses are both inevitable and essential if you're going to improve and become a good, even great, competitor. The art is in avoiding catastrophic losses in the key battles.
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.
One does not succeed by sticking to convention. When your opponent can easily anticipate every move you make, your strategy deteriorates and becomes commoditized.
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.
I learned that fighting on the chess board could also have an impact on the political climate in the country.
Deliberate tactical errors and minor losses are the means by which to bait the enemy.
The essence of strategy is that you must set limits on what you're trying to accomplish.
If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. All we need do is attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve.
I am not made for politics because I am incapable of wanting or accepting the death of the adversary.
The socialism I believe in isn't really politics. It is a way of living. It is humanity. I believe the only way to live and to be truly successful is by collective effort, with everyone working for each other, everyone helping each other, and everyone having a share of the rewards at the end of the day. That might be asking a lot, but it's the way I see football and the way I see life.
I've traveled around the world, and what's so revealing is that, despite the differences in culture, politics, language, how people dress, there is a universal feeling that we all want the same thing. We deeply want to be respected and appreciated for our differences.
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