These are the words of the great Chinese philosopher Laozi. And though it is not the more popular translation, I still feel that these are the best words that capture the true meaning of what he said. Rather than emphasizing about the first step, the alternative belief was that Laozi regarded action as something that comes up naturally from stillness.

With this in mind, even all the great dans started as beginners. And as beginners, they started from square one and knowing their way around the basics of Go. Yet something happened back then that made them want to be the best players in the world of Go. Whether it be seeing an inspiring clip of the anime Hikaru no Go from Youtube, or a friend’s invitation to watch an exciting Baduk tournament, or even coming across a popular android game of Go while browsing Googleplay.

Whatever the reasons, that initial curiosity about the game turns into desire. And from the how and the why of it comes the earnest desire to play Go, the way it was meant to be played. And for the ambitious some: The desire to achieve the divine move.

And so, as I welcome you to my blog, I leave you with these words that came into mind, which I feel I must write and share to you all:

“From stillness, one must first desire change. And to step forward, one must desire action.”

Today I desire change. I will learn Go! And to begin that change, I will play Go!

Let the game of stones begin!