“Checkmate”
Painting by Moritz Retzsch
(1779 – 1857)
One More Move: Breakthrough at the Louvre Museum
Here's how the story goes (as I see it):
In Moritz Retzsch's painting "Checkmate," two opponents face each other across the chessboard. On one side of the painting is the young man, and on the other side is the enemy. The stakes are high: if the young man loses, he forfeits his soul to the enemy.
Retzsch was fascinated by Faust, the literary figure known for his pact with darkness.
A spider crawls onto the table, preparing to set a trap. In the background, an Angel watches over the young man, ready to intervene.
As echoed by Garry Kasparov, a renowned chess grandmaster, within the tableau: “Chess is life in miniature. Chess is a struggle, chess battles.”
The chessboard mirrors our journey: defeats and victories, discouragement and hope, doubt and determination, delays and breakthroughs, and the strong faith that guides us through. Each move, a testament to the human saga, reflects the complexity of our decisions.
The Scene at The Louvre: A Chess Master's Epiphany
While on vacation in Paris, and visiting the Louvre, a Chess Master contemplates the painting depicting the intense chess match. He studies the arrangement of the remaining pieces on the chessboard, empathizing with the young man and determined to see the enemy defeated.
Suddenly, in a moment of clarity, he realizes there is One More Move.
“Not Checkmate!"
The Chess Master declares with conviction, "The young man should stay in the game because he is not in checkmate. The King has One More Move, and he will win.”
The notion of One More Move has appealed to audiences worldwide. It conveys a message of hope, resilience, persistence, the power of comebacks, second chances, and victory.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, "It always seems impossible until it's done."
So, what's our next move?
Be in a place of peace, and find your One More Move.
It could involve exploring innovative strategies, completing a project, collecting one more set of data, or seeking an investor, sponsor, or partner. It might include elevating others, repairing an important relationship, extending the duration of your walk by just a little each time, or going the extra mile.
It's often the small, gradual actions that ultimately lead to extraordinary success and breakthroughs. Though easier said than done, it can make all the difference personally and professionally. It deeply resonates with me.
Next time, when you need it most, maybe you'll think of this painting and make your One More Move.
If now is the moment... seize it, make your One More Move, step into a new day, and pay it forward.
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