I strongly believe that Fischer could have been greater than he was. The issue is that once he was top, where else could he really go? There was no one on par, and much worse for him, he didn't *see* anyone as a threat.
If Magnus and Fischer lived at the same time, either era, we would probably have one of them break the 2900 barrier, pushing each other further, albeit, I think Fischer might burn out in frustration overtime. Still, that would not mean he was weaker than Magnus, but merely, he would grow impatient with his attempts to place Magnus substantially behind him.
The exact interaction between them would be more interesting than who wins a single match. I would actually hope Fischer would lose at first so he stays interested, and then catch up to him so he has a goal.
If only we could see that possible world. D:
You forget one thing "Theory" if Carlson lived in fischer's era then he wouldn't have access to the theory of today even thought its known he gets into worse positions out of the opening anyway alot people seem to forget that one of if not fischers best quality was converting advantages from the opening which is something most todays players lack a little when faced with other 2700 you can tell that just from reading old and new articles which usually goes something like "Blah blah got a better position out of the opening but couldn't find any chances as blah blah defended well and the game ended in a draw. Fischer Once beat Larsen in less than 25 moves Carlson was BEATEN in less than 25 moves to Giri, Fischer beat Taimanov 6-0 and Larsen 6-0 and won a national championship with a perfect 11-0 non of the above has been matched by carlson not saying it wont ever but just comparing more things down the line I will always say Fischer.
i believe that fischer can be better than he was and carlsen will not be better than bobby was