Rest in peace.

Yes, a great chess player who, unfortunately, was mentally ill in his later years. Pretty sad...

Fischer was an exceptional figure,who made his mark not only on the history of chess,but on the history of the world.For some,he was a genius,for others,he was a crazy man..."Chess is War on a board",Fischer once said."The object is to crush the other man's mind."

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/01/18/200
8-01-18_bobby_fischer_chess_genius_and_cold_war_.html

May he rest in peace.


Ray Duque III
New York City

Fischer's World Championship was as as much a part of the cold war as was Jesse Owen's Olympic competition, and the boxing matches of Joe Lewis were part of international politics.

Fischer distrusted and fought against the monopoly and unfairness of the Soviet system, which he saw as a conspiratorial monopoly, as well as the reason that World Chess Champions weren't adequately compensated.  

These concerns were addressed somewhat by his negotiations and subsequent victory against Boris Spassky, however with the opportunity to "capitalize" on his victory, Fischer didn't trust the American economic system either.  He believed people were taking advantage of his fame and undeservedly sharing in his accomplishments.

Of course, these concerns could have kept Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, or even Bill Gates from reaching their potential.  The rather substantial benefit of the capitalist economic system is that others tend to benefit tangentially from the brilliancies of others.

Interestingly, his confusion continued into later life, as he sought  monitary compensation in a second match against Spassky, he did so outside of the major markets where it might have created a more major payday.

Apparently he was able to live comfortably on the earnings from this match, although it is quite likely that his death from kidney disease could have been postponed for some time with the care routinely given in the American health care system.

Conversely, Gary Kasparov has taken full advantage of American capitalism.

Like many brilliant intellects, with their mind occupied almost entirely with their particular expertise, they end up blind to the common sense basics that come naturally to most people.