Why Chess Wrecks Your 'Smart Person' Identity — and Maybe Why Elon Hates It
Linahuaa · x · 2026-09-16
A tongue-in-cheek theory for why Elon Musk dislikes chess: back when people believed chess skill correlated with intelligence, he kept getting destroyed by Peter Thiel and other dorks, leaving lasting trauma.
The deeper point: chess is a grind-based game, so no matter how smart you are, some kid who put in the hours will wreck you. If your identity centers on being smart, you're left watching Thiel farm aura in the office without mustering the effort to challenge him.
Related event: Musk Calls Chess 'Too Simple', Netizens Dig Up Thiel Rivalry(2 posts)→
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