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.

From Morphy's letter to Daniel Fiske, February 4, 1863

Paul Morphy: Letter from Morphy to Fiske Frbruary 4, 1863