You see only one step ahead.

Learn to play chess.

If you do this, then that. And if that, then further that. Keep the eyes on the prize, winning, and calculate the sacrifices along the way.

Years ago I taught chess to my fifth graders at Longfellow Elementary in Pasadena. They got so good at it that they beat me and won trophies in the tournament we created.

That’s what I want, my students to be better than me.

Most of the parents thanked me for getting their children to think.

When I moved on to teach high school, they thanked me for getting their children ready for college and life.

Often they realized that their own vision became clearer and farther.

Once you start thinking, it’s hard to stop.

And the farther you see, the more beautiful the world becomes when you know how to look.