The War Is Finished

Written for the artists and the spectators.

Once, there was an artist who loved painting and took on challenges for his amusement and pleasure. He was a perfectionist, which led people to appreciate his work as he wasn’t like the conventional artists.

One day while searching for inspiration on what to draw next, he found an old chessboard that had been neatly kept in his workplace. Suddenly, he visualised a scene in his head and started to draw what was indeed a masterpiece. Upon completing the painting, he showcased his masterpiece in a prominent gallery. The image was that of the king defeating his counterpart on the chessboard. Where the counterpart king had to surrender or succumb to the better king on the battlefield.

The new painting was showcased in the gallery along with the artist’s other works. There was an enormous gathering, all waiting patiently to glimpse the image. The picture was named “The War Is Finished” Everyone marvelled at the painting, spent almost 2-3 minutes, complimented the artist and moved on. However, an old gentleman had been discerning the painting and its true elegance for some time. The artist felt that the man was mesmerised and confronted him hoping to get further praise and appreciation.

The new painting was showcased in the gallery along with the artist’s other works. There was an enormous gathering, all waiting patiently to glimpse the image. The picture was named “The War Is Finished” Everyone marvelled at the painting, spent almost 2-3 minutes, complimented the artist and moved on. However, an old gentleman had been discerning the painting and its true elegance for some time. The artist felt that the man was mesmerised and confronted him hoping to get further praise and appreciation.

This was a story I heard some time back, it’s a bit different from the real story of the Chess-master Paul Morphy.

As the story indicates, everyone can pass comments and say that the game is over. Yet, the game is never truly over unless the grandmaster concedes. Similarly, people might tell you that your future is over, your career is broken, and you’ve no chance of succeeding. You could either let those comments tear you down or make your next move like the grandmaster decided. Not all of us can be grandmasters, but each of us can make a difference.