"Genius is a starry word; but if there ever was a chess player to whom that attribute applied, it was Paul Morphy."

“...Morphy was stronger than anyone he played with, including Anderssen”

“It is not only the most delightful and scientific, but the most moral of amusements.”

“I am more strongly confirmed than ever in the belief that the time devoted to chess is literally frittered away. It is, to be sure, a most exhilarating sport, but it is only a sport; and it is not to be wondered at that such as have been passionately addicted to the charming pastime should one day ask themselves whether sober reason does not advise its utter dereliction.”

“We also remember the brilliant flight of the American super-genius Paul Morphy, who in a couple of years conquered both the New and the Old Worlds. He revealed a thunderous blend of pragmatism, aggression and accurate calculation to the world -- qualities that enabled America to accomplish a powerful spurt in the second half of the 19th century.”

“It has been truly said that Morphy was at once the Caesar and the Napoleon of chess. He revolutionized chess. He brought life and dash and beauty into the game at a time when an age of dullness was about to set in and he did this at a stroke. Then he quit forever. Only two years from the beginning to the end. The negotiations for some modern matches have taken that long!”

“Chess never has been and never can be aught but a recreation. It should not be indulged in to the detriment of other and more serious avocations.”