why you should play chess

Chess develops the capability to predict and foresee consequences of actions.  It teaches you to look both ways before crossing the street.
 

Chess inspires self-motivation.  It encourages the search of the best move, the best plan, the most beautiful continuation out of the endless possibilities.  It encourages the everlasting aim towards progress, always steering to ignite the flame of victory.
 

Chess shows that success rewards hard work.  The more you practice, the better you'll become.  You should be ready to lose and learn from your mistakes.  One of the greatest players ever, Capablanca said "You may learn much more from a game you lose than from a game you win.  You will have to lose hundreds of games before becoming a good player."
 

Chess and Science.  Chess develops the scientific way of thinking.   While playing, you generate numerous variations in your mind.  You explore new ideas, try to predict their outcomes and interpret surprising revelations.  You decide on a hypothesis, and then you make your move and test it.