Friday, January 25, 2008

Bobby Fischer (3/9/43-1/17/08)

On the day when l.i.u. flew back from TW, one of the world's most prominent chess player died in the winter cold of Iceland. Bobby Fischer was arguably the best chess player of our time. He was the Tiger Woods of golf, and Michael Jordan of basketball. They became famous--and rich--by playing well in one sports. They are so much better than all the rest that they became the face of the game itself. Well, OK. Maybe not quite.

This is one (perhaps the oldest) model of being very successful--being the best in what they do. No gimmicks, no tricks. But it's probably also the most difficult--there can be only one in each field. What a feeling to be in that position...

Oh, well. It's not for everyone...not me at least.

But even the best is mortal. When they die, it's the end of an era. Mr. Fischer's era ended with these last words: "Nothing soothes pain like the touch of a person." Quite an unremarkable end, but what a legacy and inspiration he has left behind.

What would be on his tombstone? Perhaps someone can travel to Iceland and tell us...

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Fischer]

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