The statement suggests that chess, a game renowned for its complexity and strategic depth, might be perceived as an elaborate waste of human intelligence, paralleling activities found within advertising agencies where creativity and ingenuity are channeled into creating persuasive campaigns. In essence, the quote implies that both chess and certain aspects of advertising can appear to be intricate yet ultimately unproductive pursuits.
At a deeper level, this statement reflects broader concerns about how we value intellectual endeavors and creative work in society. It prompts us to question whether activities requiring significant mental effort but yielding no tangible or practical benefits are indeed worthwhile uses of human intelligence. The comparison between chess and advertising also highlights the sometimes abstract nature of creativity and strategy in modern life, suggesting that both can be seen as elaborate systems designed more for their own sake than for any direct utility. This perspective invites reflection on what we consider valuable in terms of mental engagement and societal contribution.
Raymond Chandler was an American author known primarily for his detective novels featuring the character Philip Marlowe. Born in 1888, Chandler came to prominence during a period when storytelling evolved from straightforward narratives to more complex, psychologically rich tales. His work often critiqued society through the lens of its darker underbelly, making him well-positioned to comment on intellectual pursuits like chess and the nature of creative industries such as advertising.
