Greetings friends.
Do you play games? I have learned a lot by playing games. Understand, not all are created equally. Many of the new computer based games are engaging but not really designed to help you learn anything. Their main purpose is to keep you engaged, distracted, addicted and spending money.
Let’s take Monopoly. Monopoly is a game in which you engage in a miniature version of capitalism, specifically United States capitalism. Not all countries allow their citizens to own hotels if you didn’t know that. Chess can teach strategy and critical thinking. You have to think many moves ahead to progress in rankings. I was brought up with chess, checkers, Monopoly and Risk board games. I gravitated to chess since it was much more complex.
In high school I played stock market games with the USA Today newspaper. I don’t know if that’s where it started, but I loved the numbers and excitement adults showed at all the stocks. Now as an adult it makes even more sense. The companies either make a profit or they don’t, the CFO or CEO share the profits with share holders or they don’t, and the shareholders either get stock growth or loss, dividends or none.
It just seems simple.
The reason I bring all this up is because we all need to be learning. Memory is something that I’m reminded that I don’t have often. I just remember different things. Names, and dates I’m not good at. Monthly dividend payout of .00806 of ALTY in September rolls off my tongue. Why? I haven’t a clue, but learning and growing is so important.
I encourage you to play a game. Preferably against an opponent. Should we get a chance, I’ll see you on chess.com.
Henry J. Burke 