◆Chess pieces become fewer as the game progresses, just as life grows shorter. If one makes wrong moves early on, they must deal with them with double the trouble later. As pieces leave the board one by one, the fewer that remain, the more carefully one must move. Winning is certainly brilliant, but even in losing, one should endure as long as possible. To lose less is to maintain some dignity.
◆Fortunately, although the game of life is "irreversible from the first move," those watching the game do not have to "remain silent." Those with less skill can often create a better situation by finding advisors. But remember, the advisors watching the game have their own games to play; do not seek help at the expense of their own battles on the board.
◆If you do not know how to plan for the future, you are a poor chess player; if you have no advisors, you are a lonely chess player; if you want to flip the board and bid an early farewell to life because you cannot afford to lose, you are the most foolish chess player.
◆Tell me: how many pieces do you have left? How much have you achieved? Should you not carefully place your few remaining pieces in the best possible positions?
◆Life is like a game of chess, and the opponent is our environment. Some can foresee ten or even dozens of moves ahead and make arrangements early; others can only see a few moves ahead, or even calculate only one step at a time.
◆In a match against a master, a single misstep can lead to total defeat; yet a master, when facing a seemingly lost endgame, may find a way to turn the tide and achieve a miraculous comeback.
◆Some play with rapid moves but often err in their haste; others spend too much time contemplating at the start, only to find themselves struggling later.
◆Some refuse to admit defeat until the very last moment; others surrender by sacrificing pieces as soon as the situation looks unfavorable.
