Origins and interconnections
The Big Picture
The Birth of Chess – The Silk Road – The Luminaries of Gupta Mathematics – Vedic Architecture and the Chess Board
The Renaissance, Europe’s intellectual and cultural awakening, witnessed profound shifts in societal structures. As feudal hierarchies receded, a new professional class—comprising merchants, scholars, and artisans—emerged, forging paths to upward mobility through merit rather than birthright. In tandem with this socio-economic evolution, this period also heralded an important transformation in Chess, much as had happened in the times of the Abassids, the European nobility began to sponsor professional Chess players. This trend along with the dynamism created by the rule changes that made the game into the one we know today, laid the foundation for another quantum leap in the game’s popularity.
The Medicis, among other influential families, championed chess, not merely as leisure, but as an emblem of strategic acumen. In this dynamic milieu, professional chess players began to parallel the rising bourgeoisie, their expertise earning them respect and patronage. Chess’s evolution, especially the enhanced prowess of pawns and queens, mirrored the era’s emphasis on individual potential and the fluidity of societal roles. Thus, as the Renaissance reshaped society, chess too transformed, reflecting the newfound avenues of mobility and the ascendancy of the professional class.
The Iberian peninsula produced the first masters of the modern game. Luis ramirez de Lucena wrote the first, still extant, book containing the reformed rules of the game, it was published in Salamanca in 1497, and although significant for its historical context, the text is error laden and otherwise unremarkable containing such advice as “…if you play by day, place your opponent facing the light, which gives you a great advantage.” In 1512 the Portugese pharmacist Pedro Damiano published a book on Chess in Rome. The book was immensely popular, as it contained not only analysis, but also an extensive section on puzzles. Damiano’s book also provided much better advice, such as the timeless maxim, “If you see a good move, try to find a better one.”
In 1559 when the priest Spanish Priest Ruy Lopez (A Jew who was forced to convert by the violence of the inquisition) visited Rome he came across Damiano’s book. Having easily dispatched of many of Italy’s top players, he thought little of Damiano’s work. He published his own book in 1561, considered by scholars to be the first substantial textbook on the game. One of the openings he explores for white bears his name and is still employed by many of the top players today. Patronized by King Phillip II, Lopez dominated European chess for nearly two decades; until in 1575, in what could be considered the first international chess competition, two Italians Giovanni Leonardo and Paolo Boi both defeated Lopez and other top Spanish players, living up to there nicknames as the Light and Lustre of chess. Boi, who was sponsored by Catherine de Medici, would adventure throughout Europe playing Chess with royalty, earning extravagant sums and tremendous fame. Traveling from Portugal to Sicily he was captured by pirates and brought to Algeria where he was sold to a Turkish Prince; however, he won his freedom, safe passage, and a good deal of money through exhibiting his mastery of the game. He returned to Italy, and to a new class of chess players. Salvio, Polerio, and Greco were conducting deeper analysis into then game than ever before; and making a lucrative industry of selling their findings throughout Europe. Greco, in particular, contributed many important innovations to the game still widely used today.
The Astapada is based of the Vastu Purusha Mandala
“…if you play by day, place your opponent facing the light, which gives you a great advantage.”
-Luis ramirez de Lucena, 1497
The systematic development of chess strategy parelleled the greater trend of the systematic approach to knowledge that became known as the scientific method. Francis Bacon, an English philosopher and statesman, played a pioneering role role in developing the modern scientific method. Departing from the traditional scholastic and deductive approach, Bacon advocated for a systematic method of investigation based on observation, hypothesis formation, and experimentation. He emphasized the importance of empirical evidence, suggesting that true knowledge could only be gained through direct interaction with the natural world. His seminal work, “Novum Organum,” presented an inductive methodology, emphasizing that one should gather data, discern patterns, and then formulate general laws or theories. Bacon’s ideas championed skepticism towards ancient texts and unsupported deductions, urging scholars to actively test and validate their beliefs. By prioritizing empirical evidence and structured inquiry, Bacon laid the groundwork for the scientific revolutions of the 17th century, making an indelible mark on the way scientific research is approached and conducted. While, as we have seen, chess has long history of metaphorical connotations, Bacon initiated the use of the game to analogize fundamental methods of human knowledge acquisition. He wrote, “in chess, or other games of the like nature, the first rules and laws of the play are merely positive postulates, which ought to be entirely received, not disputed: but the skilful playing of the game is a matter of art and reason.” That is the game itself cannot be deduced simply from first principles, but must actually be played to be understood.”
The chess player whom the Caliph ar-Radi made reference to in the above passage is Abu Bakr bin Yahya As-Suli. A descendent, of a Turkish prince As-Suli gained prominence as the foremost player of his time when he beat the then leading player, al-Mawardi, at the court of the Caliph Al-Muktafi. As-Suli was famous throughout the Arab world not only as the unchallenged champion of his time, but also for the unprecedented ability to play the game blindfolded against several opponents simultaneously! He was also a prolific authority on the game, we still have remnants of his writings which include the first formalizations of systematic opening principles, analysis of positions from his games, as well as some chess problems composed by him. The Chess Historian HJR Murray credits him as, “…the first player to try to discover the science of the game, or to enunciate the underlying principle of play.” To this day in the Arab world amongst the highest compliments given to a player is that he, “plays as as-Suli.”
*Vastu Purusha Mandala & Astapada: Foundations of Indian Architecture**
The Vastu Purusha Mandala, a central concept in traditional Hindu architecture, symbolizes a cosmic diagram and a metaphysical plan. It maps out an intricate grid, subdivided into smaller squares called “padas,” each carrying a unique significance. At the heart of this Mandala lies the “Astapada,” an 8×8 grid, simultaneously serving as an architectural blueprint and as the board for strategic games like Chaturanga, an ancestor of chess.
This Mandala does more than just portray symbolic meaning; it offers precise guidelines for architectural design. Each pada within the Mandala is associated with a particular deity or attribute, and these associations play a pivotal role in deciding the spatial arrangement of structures, rooms, or even entire cities. For instance, while laying out a temple, the padas guide where specific deities should be placed, ensuring that each part of the structure resonates with the intended spiritual energy.
The ancient city of Madurai exemplifies the Mandala’s influence. Its city layout, designed around the Mandala’s principles, seeks to strike a balance between spiritual harmony and practical functionality. Another compelling example is the Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar, where the sanctum and surrounding structures clearly reflect the Mandala’s grid system.
In essence, the Vastu Purusha Mandala and Astapada provide a profound blend of symbolism and practicality in Indian architectural practices, ensuring constructed spaces are in harmony with both their spiritual intent and functional requirements.
The Power of Patronage; Medici, Modern Banking and the Rise of The Professional
Alchemy and Hermeticism
Renaissance alchemy, a fusion of mysticism and early scientific inquiry, aimed to transform base metals into gold and find the elixir of life. Paracelsus, a central figure, revolutionized medical practices by advocating for chemical remedies and viewing health holistically. Similarly, John Dee, an English polymath, combined his studies in mathematics and astronomy with alchemical pursuits, envisioning a universe built on numerical harmonies. Dee’s consultations with angelic beings further intertwined spirituality with his alchemical experiments. Both Paracelsus and Dee epitomized the era’s blend of science and spirituality, laying groundwork for modern scientific disciplines.
A per se muove
The Laws of Motion and Method
Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward; they may be beaten, but they may start a winning game. —Goethe
“Chess is a game which reflects most honor on human wit.” -Voltaire
If the weather is too cold or rainy, I take shelter in the Café de la Régence, where I entertain myself by watching chess being played. Paris is the world center, and this café is the Paris center, for the finest skill at this game. -Diderot
Pendulums
Galileo and Huygens
Studying the motion of pendulums yielded breakthroughs in the understanding of physics through the work of Galileo and Christiaan Huygens. Discover the important contributions to physics made by these two great thinkers.
Planets
From Copernicus to Kepler
The Copernican Revolution marked a paradigm shift from the geocentric Ptolemaic system to a heliocentric model, as proposed by Copernicus. This transformation was expounded upon by the observations of Tycho Brahe and elucidation of eliptical orbits by Johann Kepler’s laws.
Particles
Boyle, Harvey, Bernoulli
Explore how the work of Robert Boyle, William Harvey, and Daniel Bernoulli advanced the understanding ofthe behavior of fluids. Boyle’s work on gases set the stage for Bernoulli’s fluid dynamics, while Harvey’s pioneering research on blood circulation showcased practical applications of fluid principles in biology.
Optics
Seeing stars; advancements in the telescope and understanding of light
Amongst Isaac Newton’s many contributions his work in optics revolutionized the field by demonstrating that white light is composed of a spectrum of colors; laying the foundation for the understanding of the behavior and properties of light. Additionally, he pioneered the design of the reflecting telescope, optimizing its capabilities and setting a new standard in astronomical observation.
Rationalism vs Empiricism
Discourses on Method
in the philosophical quest for understanding knowledge Empiricism and Rationalism stand distinct. Francis Bacon championed empiricism, emphasizing inductive reasoning through sensory experiences. Conversely, Descartes and Spinoza, proponents of rationalism, prioritized deduction, arguing for knowledge derived from innate ideas and logical reasoning.
Probability
Pascal and Fermat
Two of the most prolific mathematcians in history Blaise Pascal and Pierre de Fermat’s correspondence about the Division of Stakes a gambling problem led them to develop methods to calculate chances. This exchange marked the inception of modern probability theory, and a whole new way of understanding the world.
STrategy
Our Approach
Scientific Method
“God is a comedian playing to an audience that is too afraid to laugh.”
Probability
If the weather is too cold or rainy, I take shelter in the Café de la Régence, where I entertain myself by watching chess being played. Paris is the world center, and this café is the Paris center, for the finest skill at this game.
