Chess, a game to many and philosophy to a few. A game of 64 squares and 32 pieces (Both sides) each with a unique potential. The secret to their potential lies with how many squares they can control and how efficiently they can control them. In order to be a good player you are not only required to realise what pieces you have instead you are required to gauge the ability of what a piece can become. Its hard to comprehend if you are unaware of how the game has to be played. For example a knight at the centre of the board is a monster compared a rook stuck in a corner. A bishop controlling a central diagonally can be as dangerous as an armour piercing missile in breaking the enemies line of defence. Of course it all depends on the situation, the ability of the opponent and your ability to see the future, empathies, envision and deliver.
So how is this compared to real life? Its so much similar that listing them in a single article will not do justice but I shall still try. First just like how a lone king can never win a game, it is important to understand if you think you are alone you can never win. You are who you are because of the people in you life and the situation and circumstances that you have faced. Remember to learn and rely on others around you. People who are ready to lend you their strength and abilities. Just like how one piece does not have all the power, (even the queen can’t move like a knight) one man does not posses everything alone!
Don’t think others are either superior or inferior to you, even a pawn can capture a queen. There are people who are similar like you instead of trying to compete and prove your superiority learn to understand them and form a bond. Remember that it is next to impossible to break (without a sacrifice at least) the bond between two rooks who are on the same rank or file.
Form connection long and strong just like a well defined pawn structure. Predict the future based on the present because a man without a vision will perish and constantly change, update it because just like time situation also changes constantly. Realise just like a pawn even you have the ability to promote yourself, you have the ability to become anything you want. The only thing you require is perseverance, to constantly pursue what you want to be no matter the huddle.
Finally unlike a chess board which has a limited number of outcomes compared to the game of life, and the fairness provided in chess which cannot be expected in life, the philosophy remains the same. Learn, grow, adapt, empathise, and win!
– S.C
P.S: The comparison of people to piece made in this article is only metaphorical and not literal.
symphony of the mind 