The Moves that Matter

A Chess Grandmaster on the Game of Life

By: Jonathan Rowson

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Paperback | 16 April 2020

At a Glance

Paperback
352 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
19.8 x 12.9 x 2.6

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Jonathan Rowson's competitive success as a chess Grandmaster and work as an applied philosopher 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 sixty-four 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 singularly powerful metaphor for the thrills and set-backs that invest our daily lives with meaning and complexity.

About the Author

Jonathan Rowson is a writer, philosopher and chess Grandmaster who was British Chess Champion from 2004-6. He holds degrees from Oxford, Bristol and Harvard Universities and is an Open Society Fellow. Formerly Director of the Social Brain Centre at the RSA, in 2016 he became co-founder of Perspectiva, where he leads research on the interplay of systems, souls and society.

Industry Reviews

“Profound ... Part memoir, part guide to living”
Daily Mail

“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'

“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'

“One comes away feeling better able to navigate not so much a chessboard but the world outside it”
Sarah Stein Lubrano The School of Life

“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'

“Rowson's is an unusual, important voice and perspective on our times: a humane thinker deeply interested in the implications of technology; an expert constantly probing at the limits of expertise ... A wise, surprising and uplifting book”
Tom Chatfield author of 'Critical Thinking

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