People
Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward; they may be defeated, but they start a winning game.
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The chess image makes an unsuccessful idea part of a larger game. A bold move can be defeated without making the attempt pointless. The comparison encourages a wider view of progress, where taking a risk may help create chances that staying still would never offer.
Context reviewed