The short answer is simple: I had to. But the story behind this necessity is much deeper, born out of both frustration and revelation. When I finally stumbled upon these concepts as an adult, it was as if a light had been switched on in a dark room. Suddenly, the strategies and principles that I had been searching for throughout my life were clear. My immediate reaction was one of surprise and frustration: “Why didn’t somebody tell me this when I was 7?” This realization ignited a fire in me—a fire that led to the creation of this book.
Let me take you back to the beginning. Initially, this book didn’t start as a book at all. It began as a collection of scattered thoughts, small snippets of insight that I jotted down in an Excel sheet. At first, these notes were solely for myself—a personal guide, if you will. I wanted to capture the principles I was uncovering, so I could revisit them and ensure they were ingrained in my thinking. For over a year, I continued this practice, filling page after page with observations, strategies, and reflections.
But as time passed, something changed. These notes, originally intended for personal use, began to take on a life of their own. They grew in number and depth, and soon I realized that this knowledge was too valuable to keep to myself. After 18 months of writing and reflecting, it became clear to me that these concepts needed to be shared with others. It wasn’t enough for me to simply keep them in a file on my computer; they needed to be compiled into a book that could benefit anyone who seeks to improve their strategic thinking.
So, “Modern Art of War” was born. This book is the culmination of that journey—a journey that has deeply influenced how I approach both chess and life. At its core, the book outlines the winning mentality essential not only in strategic and competitive games like chess but also in life itself. When I was writing, I found myself constantly drawing parallels between the strategies of chess and the challenges we face in everyday life. The principles I explore in this book aren’t confined to the chessboard; they apply beautifully to life’s many challenges, offering a framework for making better decisions, whether in a game or in the complex arena of life.
You might find it a bit ruthless to view life as a strategic game, and I understand that perspective. Life, after all, is about much more than just winning. It’s about relationships, experiences, growth, and fulfillment. However, if your goal is to succeed in a competitive environment—whether that’s in a game of chess, a business venture, or navigating the complexities of life—then having the right mindset is crucial. This book provides the formula, the method, to achieve that success. It’s about adopting a winning mentality that guides your decisions and actions.
One of the most surprising things I discovered while delving deeper into chess literature was the overwhelming focus on moves, techniques and tactics. as if that’s what’s important. Chess books and content are filled with them, each promising to teach you the best way to outmaneuver your opponent. But as I studied these resources, I realized they were missing something vital. They were focusing too much on the “how” and not enough on the “why.” They tried to teach the techniques and tactics, but often overlooked the most critical aspect: mindset. If you know the correct the mindset and align your moves with that winning mindset, the strong moves will become obvious to you.
This realization was a turning point for me. It became clear that mastering the mechanics of chess is important, but it’s only part of the equation. The real key to success lies in the mindset behind the moves. The message of my book is simple yet profound: If you correct the mindset, you’ll find the best moves in any position. It’s about understanding the deeper principles that guide your decisions, not just memorizing patterns or sequences.
“Modern Art of War” is more than just a guide to playing better chess; it’s a guide to thinking better, strategizing better, and ultimately, living better. The principles I explore in this book are designed to help you win against humans—not in a manipulative or unethical way, but by addressing the flaws in the human mind that often lead to poor decision-making. Whether on the chessboard or in life, our minds are prone to biases, emotional reactions, and faulty logic. This book aims to help you overcome those pitfalls, making you a more effective and strategic thinker.
When I say that this book is about winning, I don’t just mean winning games. I’m talking about winning in a broader sense—winning at life. We all face challenges, obstacles, and situations where we need to make tough decisions. Whether you’re competing in a chess tournament, negotiating a business deal, or simply trying to navigate a difficult conversation, the principles in this book can help you approach those situations with a clearer, more strategic mindset.
The concept of mindset is often discussed in self-help books, but in “Modern Art of War,” I’ve tried to ground it in something more concrete. This isn’t just about thinking positively or staying motivated. It’s about understanding the underlying principles that govern strategic thinking and applying them in a way that’s both practical and effective. It’s about recognizing the patterns that emerge in competitive situations and using them to your advantage.
In chess, as in life, it’s not always the person with the most knowledge or the best techniques who wins. It’s the person who can stay calm under pressure, who can see the bigger picture, and who can make decisions based on a solid understanding of the situation. That’s the essence of the winning mentality I explore in this book.
So, why did I write “Modern Art of War”? Because I believe these concepts needed to be shared. I wanted to create a resource that could help others develop the same strategic mindset that has been so transformative for me. Whether you’re a seasoned chess player or someone looking to improve their decision-making in life, this book offers a roadmap to success.
In the end, “Modern Art of War” is more than just a book; it’s a philosophy. It’s a way of approaching life that emphasizes strategic thinking, mindful decision-making, and the power of a winning mentality. And it’s my hope that, by reading it, you’ll find the tools you need to succeed—both on the chessboard and in life.
Yaser Rashidi – 2024.08.20
At Modern Art of War, we believe that the principles of chess can profoundly impact the way we approach life’s challenges. Our mission is to help you sharpen your strategic thinking, both on the chessboard and in everyday life.
