Don't Move Until You See It

Abstract

Searching for Bobby Fischer is an exemplary film for showcasing multiple kinds of learning, ways of knowing, and levels of excellence. Key players in the film engage in lively interplay among analytical, practical, and creative streams of intelligence. Using examples and analogies from the film, the author distinguishes between the relatively focused prowess of intellectual mastery, and the more inclusive, enriched perspective of intellectual maturity. Together these align to support the film's keynote advice, “Don't move until you see it.” By discussing this advice in relation to various professional experiences and observations, the author argues for the importance of intellectual maturity as a vital component of professional development. To help clarify the argument, he includes metaphorical support from the art of warfare. The resultant message signifies the importance of both intellectual mastery and maturity, but suggests that intellectual maturity is frequently marginalized or excluded.