A wooden knight chess piece hovers above a small puddle reflecting a break in a stormy sky.

Original artwork, not a still

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward; they may be defeated, but they start a winning game.

Behind the line

What it means

Our 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.

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