If we look at statistical data, we see that Protestant countries in terms of economic development are more successful than those observing Catholicism.

A championship contender in the early twentieth century needed charisma and a knack for cultivating sponsorship, and Rubinstein was the epitome of the shy and unsocial chess player. Now matter how great his chess skills, he lacked the people skills to be a self-promoter and fund-raiser.

It's not enough to be talented. It's not enough to work hard and to study late into the night. You must also become intimately aware of the methods you use to reach your decisions.

One does not succeed by sticking to convention. When your opponent can easily anticipate every move you make, your strategy deteriorates and becomes commoditized.

There is no democracy in Russia. Dictators do not go away through the vote. Putin relies on riot police, thousands of them, with heavy equipment, fighting Russian youngsters from opposition.

The biggest problem I see among people who want to excel in chess – and in business and in life in general – is not trusting their instincts enough.

You know, if I'm in a bad mood, I always look at the chessboard, just to find something that can cheer me up.