Chess is a foolish expedient for making idle people believe they are doing something very clever, when they are only wasting their time

Summary

This quote conveys a skeptical perspective on chess, suggesting that it serves as a deceptive activity that tricks people into thinking they are engaged in something intellectually stimulating. However, in reality, it argues that Chess is simply a time-consuming pastime without any significant purpose or practical value. It contrasts the perception of cleverness with the notion that the game is ultimately a form of idle diversion for individuals who may be deceiving themselves regarding the depth of their engagement in the activity.