In this engaging discussion, Maurice Ashley, the first African-American chess grandmaster and acclaimed coach, shares profound insights about the journey of learning through failure. He emphasizes respecting opponents and the emotional resilience required in both chess and life. Maurice reflects on transformative lessons from his childhood, the critical role of intuition in the game, and the value of personalized coaching techniques. His unique perspective highlights how mistakes can lead to personal growth and mastery.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Grandmaster Advice
Maurice Ashley cried after realizing his grandmother's advice wasn't malicious but loving.
This realization gave him strength to win the game that made him a chess grandmaster.
insights INSIGHT
Focus on Mastery
Focus is key for excellence; you might limit your accomplishments by trying to do everything.
True mastery requires dedication to one thing at a time.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Finding Your Passion
Pursue what you cannot help but do; that is your true calling.
If you overthink your choices, you likely haven't found your passion yet.
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In 'Hidden Potential,' Adam Grant dismantles the myth that success is primarily due to innate talent. He argues that potential is not fixed but can be cultivated over time through effort, persistence, and continuous learning. The book emphasizes the development of 'character skills' such as proactivity, determination, and the ability to embrace discomfort and learn from failure. Grant uses compelling stories of late bloomers and underdogs who achieved greatness through sheer determination, highlighting the importance of support systems, motivation, and the willingness to push beyond comfort zones. The book offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations, applicable in various domains from education to the workplace and beyond[2][4][5].
The Queen's Gambit
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Set in 1950s and 1960s America, 'The Queen's Gambit' follows the life of Beth Harmon, an orphaned girl who discovers her exceptional talent for chess. The novel explores themes of adoption, feminism, chess, drug addiction, and alcoholism as Beth rises through the ranks of the chess world. Despite her prodigious talent, Beth faces numerous challenges, including her addiction to tranquilizers and later alcohol, and the sexism and ageism prevalent in the male-dominated chess community. The book details her journey from an orphanage to becoming the U.S. champion and her ultimate goal of defeating the world champion, Vasily Borgov, in Moscow.
Move by Move
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In *Move by Move*, Maurice Ashley shares essential life lessons learned from chess, using personal anecdotes and insights from notable chess players. The book covers topics from self-knowledge to strategic thinking and the importance of failure, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in applying strategic thinking to their daily lives.
The Turk
The Life and Times of the Famous Eighteenth-Century Chess Playing Machine
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This book delves into the fascinating story of the Turk, a chess-playing machine that captivated audiences for decades. It explores the machine's construction, its exhibitions across Europe and America, and its impact on perceptions of artificial intelligence during its time. The book also provides insights into the industrial revolution and the world of chess in the 18th century.
Maurice Ashley is a trailblazing chess grandmaster — the first African-American player to claim that prestigious title. He’s also a chess coaching legend, as spotlighted in Adam's new book, “Hidden Potential.” Adam and Maurice discuss the lessons from losing, the benefits of respecting your opponents, and what drives a winning strategy in chess and life. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
ReThinking 
