The expression "playing chess with a pigeon" provides a vivid metaphor for a situation in which someone faces a challenge that seems impossible or very difficult to win in advance. This often occurs in situations where one is trying to communicate or cooperate with someone who has no understanding of the situation or is not on the same wavelength.
Imagine trying to play a game of chess with a pigeon; the pigeon has no concept of the rules or purpose of the game. Regardless of your skills or strategies, the pigeon is likely to run across the board, knock over pieces or even run away with the pieces. This illustrates the frustration and useless feeling when you try to have a rational conversation or apply logic in a situation where the other party is fundamentally unfit or unwilling to participate according to the same rules or with the same understanding.
The phrase can be applied in various contexts, such as political or business negotiations, dealing with unreasonable people, or even in educational settings where teachers struggle to communicate with disinterested students. It is a powerful way of highlighting the futility and sometimes the absurdity of certain interactions, which is often accompanied by a mix of humour and frustration.
It all started with a4 paper and HB pencils. As a child I was often impressed by how beautiful the world around me was. The urge to capture this beautiful world, and to show the people around me what I saw, was actually there from the beginning. If.. Read more…