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The Moves That Matter
- A Chess Grandmaster on the Game of Life
- Narrated by: Jonathan Rowson
- Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins
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Publisher's Summary
Bloomsbury presents The Moves That Matter by Jonathan Rowson, read by Jonathan Rowson.
Refined and perfected throughout human history, chess has long been a touchstone for shrewd tacticians and master strategists. But enfolded within this ancient game can be found a singularly resonant metaphor for the challenges, thrills and setbacks that fill our lives with meaning and complexity.
Jonathan Rowson’s competitive success as a Grandmaster and his work as a philosopher of public policy have given him a unique perspective on why the great game is more important than ever for understanding the conflicts and uncertainties of the modern world. In 64 witty and addictive vignettes, Rowson takes us on an exhilarating tour of the game of life, from the psychology of gang violence, to the aesthetics of cyborgs, the beauty of technical details, and the endgame of death. Chess emerges as a rich and endlessly evocative way of thinking about the desires that shape the world around us.
The Moves That Matter celebrates the redeeming power of intense concentration while offering a humane and compassionate account of our interdependence and need for community. Jonathan Rowson reveals, one move at a time, what it means to love, think or care deeply in the intricate game of life.
Critic Reviews
"Terrific...What a beautiful, thoughtful work. I see thinking in a fresh light. I see my own life in a fresh light as well." (David Bodanis, author of Einstein’s Greatest Mistake and E=MC2)
"At a time when we urgently need new ways to think about the challenge of creating a meaningful life - far more than we need conventional self-help advice - Jonathan Rowson has written a powerfully unconventional and mind-expanding book...A generous, nuanced and witty meditation on confronting the challenges life throws at us all." (Oliver Burkeman, author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking)
"A remarkable, highly original and personal book, unlike anything else you have ever read, packed with wisdom about life. You need to know next to nothing about chess to enjoy it and to want to keep coming back for more." (Iain McGilchrist, author of The Master and His Emissary)
What listeners say about The Moves That Matter
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Paul Manning
- 31-03-2023
Swedenborg would appreciate this
I am interested in chess and life and the this was a good philosophical view on both. Emanuel Swedenborg does the job better minus the chess.
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- Peter Trubody
- 23-05-2023
The Moves that matter
Excellent book based on chess but philosophical about life in general. I highly recommend this book.
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