Winning and losing apply to everything in life. I think people who were exposed to competitive activity as children deal with setbacks way better. That being said chess is not exceptional here - about any sport would do as long as compete, train and are part of the team. As to making a living as a programmer being easier - no argument but it doesn't relate in any way to my post.

"Winning and losing apply to everything in life" is nonsense. As well say winning and losing apply to nothing in life.

Certainly learning to lose is probably a good thing when you are a youngster, but "everything in life" sounds miserable to me, and perhaps only reflects your worldview, and is not in fact an absolute as you suggest.

"If life is a game, aren't we on the same team?" -- Kid President