Levon Aronian is one of the rare people you can talk with about everything. A curious, well-versed, informed company is the most important part though.
We met Levon this time for our Unforgettable victory series, but what we got in the end was something completely different.
A cup of tea and simple talk turned into a conversation-study of chess, beauty, books and a deep reflection on everything.
I love exercising chess, but I need to collect my strength for it. Everyone has their flaws, perhaps that is mine. I believe that each person has their own way and I think that my mission is to play chess.
Photo: Photolure
My issue is to show my best game and win. I am a sportsman, and sportsmen don’t like to lose. If I sit at the chess board, I must win.
To be honest, I am almost always unhappy with my game. Chess is not one game. You play an entire tournament, and you make mistakes. I constantly try to correct them, and in general people should change with time. I change every day.
Photo: grandchesstour.com
I am close to people. I communicate with them a lot and I know their problems. My ambitions grew faster throughout the years. I knew I could achieve more.
When you strive to compete with the best, first you challenge yourself and obligate yourself to play well.
Photo: tsaghkadzor2015.fide
I will bring an example. I like running and I know that I can run 30 km easily. But if I’m satisfied with 10 km, I won’t be able to run more no matter how much I convince myself later. I set a clear goal in the beginning and I go for it.
Vassily Ivanchuk is one of my favourite chess players. Every time he made a famous chess opening I would think for 15-20 minutes, because I tried to see if I could find a new move he hadn’t done yet. Critical thinking - that is what our chess players have.
Seeking the new, believing, unlocking secrets, and seeing and finding multiple layers in any phenomenon. I do so both in chess and life.
Before every chess opening I study its history. I want to learn its wisdom. I am very fanatical not just in chess; I study deeply everything I do.
Photo: Mediamax
I love reading. A few days ago I finished Varlam Shalamov’s works. As I am a very cheerful person, I read sad books or listen to sad music. I suppose that is how I maintain the balance of sadness and cheerfulness in me.
I get positive energy from my family, music, and beauty. Every day can be beautiful, you just need to walk in the street and see the beauty. It gives me great desire to live.
Gohar Nalbandyan and Hasmik Babayan talked to Levon Aronian
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