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Revolutionary Go
January 6, 2003
by William Cobb

"It is not just a simple game; it is an important weapon in the revolution."

This statement is attributed to Che Guevara, the doctor turned revolutionary who challenged dictators in Cuba and throughout Central America in the 1960s. It appears on a t-shirt created by the folks at www.philosophyfootball.com, an English site for soccer fans. Naturally, the statement made me think of go, which has been such a revolutionary force in so many lives.

This "simple game" turns out to be surprisingly powerful. It's not just that we become addicted to it; it makes us better people, too. If more people played go, the world would surely be a better place. I still clearly remember how impressed I was when I discovered that the people at the Nihon Kiin are, in all seriousness, promoting go around the world as a way to bring about global peace.

A revolutionary force changes the way people think, as well as the way they act. Playing go certainly does both. "Have a plan, but be flexible." "Pay attention to the surrounding situations." "Let your opponent have something." Ideas like these become second nature to a go player, but are all too rare in other circles.

In order to become a better player I must have stronger opponents, so I try my best to make you a better player. For me to win, you do not have to be destroyed. Just think what the world would be like if that sort of attitude toward your competitors was more common. Instead of invading "evil" countries, perhaps we should be teaching their leaders to play go.

So the next time you introduce go to some kids at the local public school, remember: it's not just a simple game.

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