Ready for inspiration? 

.  Below are short video clips made by Maurice Ashley, the first black international grandmaster.  Mr. Ashley's story is an interesting one that can be found here    After that, a little bit of fun.
Inspiration
      Mr. Ashley shares how chess parallels lessons learned in life.
Mr. Ashley explains retrograde analysis.  "In order to play ahead, it is important to look backwards"  He explains that visualizing the end of the game, and working backwards can give you a path to follow.

In Chess for football players, Mr. Ashley leads a 30 minute discussion with a group of high school football players.  He makes comparisons between strategies in football and chess.  He emphasizes the same skills in leadership, team play and dedication can help football players become great chess players. 
Maurice Ashley plays in Central Park.  This 4 minute video shows that all people can play this game.  The street player does not know who he is playing until the end of the game.  The people behind Maurice are all in on the ruse.  Watch the street player's face when he realizes who he played!

In the town of Marcosita, Italy, a life size game of chess is played inside a castle every two years.  Enjoy the pageantry and history of this game.








Donovan Livingston's Commencement Address, Harvard University,  Graduate School of Education, 2016   Spoken Word.
"Lift"
 Kid President gives us a pep talk.