"This whole fuss did not only damage Fischer's image, but that of the USA as well. The way the Americans treated one of their most popular citizens did not make a positive impression worldwide"
- Anatoly Karpov
About this Quote
This quote by Anatoly Karpov is describing the debate surrounding Bobby Fischer, an American chess grandmaster, and his rejection to play in the World Chess Championship in 1975. Fischer's rejection to play triggered a great deal of public outcry, and it had a negative effect on both Fischer's credibility and the credibility of the United States. Karpov is recommending that the method the Americans handled the circumstance was not seen in a positive light by the rest of the world. This event highlighted the disrespect for Fischer's rights and freedoms, and it revealed that the United States was willing to put its own interests ahead of those of its residents. This occurrence was a major shame for the US, and it harmed the country's track record in the eyes of the worldwide community.
"One has children in the expectation of dying before them. In fact, you want to make damn sure you die before them, just as you plant a tree or build a house knowing, hoping that it will outlive you. That's how the human species has done as well as it has"
"Well, I think any time you delve into this sort of religion, politics, as you well know, you're going to, you know, touch a few nerves. I wasn't - now - and this is the honest truth"
