Bobby Fischer

Chess genius, eccentric recluse

Contemporary weird famous 118 sayings

Sayings by Bobby Fischer

I don't need any seconds. I don't need any coaches.

1972 — Statement often made before matches
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a paranoid, I'm a realist.

1990s — Reported statement
Controversial Unverifiable

The whole world is against me.

1970s onwards — Frequent refrain in interviews and conversations
Controversial Unverifiable

I want to change the world through chess.

1960s — Early ambition, later distorted
Controversial Unverifiable

I played a lot of blitz chess. I played a lot of speed chess. I think that's how I got good.

1962 — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

The Soviet chess machine is a joke.

1960s-1970s — Common criticism of Soviet dominance in chess
Controversial Unverifiable

I want to be left alone.

1975 onwards — Frequent plea during his reclusive periods
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm the victim of a Jewish conspiracy.

1999-2001 — Radio interview with Pablo Mercado
Controversial Unverifiable

My country is a disgrace.

2001 — Referring to the United States, especially after 9/11
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't care about public opinion.

1960s onwards — Consistent stance throughout his career
Controversial Unverifiable

It's all rigged.

1970s onwards — Referring to chess tournaments and FIDE
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a genius, but I'm not a saint.

1970s — Reported statement
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't play for anybody but myself.

1972 — Statement often made to justify his demands
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm still the world champion. They just don't want to admit it.

1980s-2000s — Referring to his belief he was still champion after forfeiting the title in 1975
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm the greatest chess player that ever lived.

1960s onwards — Consistent self-assessment
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't respect anybody.

1970s — Reported statement
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not anti-American, I'm anti-government.

1999-2001 — Radio interview with Pablo Mercado
Controversial Unverifiable

I have no friends.

1970s onwards — Reported statement, reflecting his isolation
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm the greatest genius of all time.

1970s onwards — Reported statement
Controversial Unverifiable

I would rather be a good man than a good chess player.

1960s — Reported by a friend, later contradicted by his actions
Humorous Unverifiable