The Jordan Harbinger Show 360: Garry Kasparov | Deep Thinking for Disordered Times
Jun 4, 2020
Garry Kasparov, chess grandmaster and political activist, shares his insights on the intersection of chess and politics. He explores how chess influenced Soviet ideology during the Cold War and the game’s evolution in the modern age. Kasparov discusses the psychological warfare inherent in chess and draws parallels to authoritarian regimes, emphasizing the need for vigilance against rising threats. He also reflects on technological advancements in chess and their implications for future progress, blending history with a hopeful outlook on human empowerment.
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Name Change
- Garry Kasparov was born Gerich Weinstein but changed his name after his father's death.
- This was a family decision, not driven by anti-Semitism, as his father was Jewish and his mother Armenian.
Chess as Propaganda
- The Soviet Union used chess as an ideological tool during the Cold War.
- They promoted chess to showcase intellectual superiority over the West, not as part of their education system.
Chess Origin Story
- Kasparov's chess passion began at age seven when he saw his parents trying to solve a chess puzzle.
- He excelled quickly, despite preferring humanities over math, proving chess requires more than calculation.
