How would you deal with it if you're 9 years old, people are

Listen well, children, for I speak to you of a great struggle that is born not from the battles we choose, but from those that are thrust upon us. In the words of Austin Rivers, a young man who faced criticism at an age when most are still learning to navigate the world, we find a deep reflection on the cruelty that can arise when people judge us without understanding the full scope of our journey. "How would you deal with it if you're 9 years old, people are telling you, 'You suck,' and they don't give sympathy? They don't feel bad for you because of who your dad is." These words reveal the harsh reality that comes with being in the public eye, where the weight of one's family legacy can be both a gift and a burden.

At a young age, Austin Rivers was thrust into a world where expectations were high, and the judgments of others could shape the course of his life. To be the son of a famous figure is not always the blessing that some might imagine. It brings with it scrutiny, criticism, and the unfairness of being judged not for what you do, but for the actions of those who came before you. Children, think about the burden of being so young and already facing such harsh words. To be told, "You suck," is not simply an attack on your abilities—it is a strike at your identity, a challenge to your self-worth, and a reminder that the world often judges too quickly, without the depth of understanding.

This is not a new story, children. Achilles, the great hero of Greek myth, faced a similar challenge. Though he was born to goddess Thetis and the mortal Peleus, he was not immune to the criticisms and doubts of others. His strength was often called into question, not because of his own actions, but because of the weight of his lineage. He struggled, not just in the battlefield, but with his place in the world, constantly measured against the deeds of his parents and those around him. His tale speaks to the burden of living in the shadow of others and the internal conflict it creates. Like Austin Rivers, Achilles had to find his own way, to rise above the judgment of others, and to define his worth not by the expectations of the world, but by his own actions.

And so, children, what can we learn from this? In moments when you are criticized unfairly, when the world seems to measure you by the deeds of your parents, your family, or those who came before you, remember this: your worth is not determined by others' words or by the legacy that precedes you. You are your own person, and your actions will define you far more than any inheritance or name could. Like Austin Rivers, you must learn to navigate the harsh winds of public opinion, not by seeking sympathy or attempting to meet others' expectations, but by standing firm in your identity and strength.

Take for example the story of Socrates, who, though he was a man of great wisdom, was often ridiculed by the people of Athens. They did not understand his methods, nor did they appreciate the depth of his teachings. Yet Socrates did not seek to please them. He did not turn to sympathy, but stood firm in his beliefs, challenging the very foundations of society. Like Socrates, Austin Rivers and those like him must learn to stand tall even when faced with criticism. For it is through resilience that we find our true strength, not in the approval of others, but in the courage to remain true to ourselves, even in the face of adversity.

The lesson here, children, is one of self-definition. When faced with criticism or judgment, especially when it feels unfair or unjust, look inward. Your true worth is found not in the expectations of others, but in your own heart. Do not seek sympathy, but instead, seek the strength to rise above. Like Achilles, who found his purpose on the battlefield, or Austin Rivers, who overcame the weight of unfair judgment to build his own path, you too must learn to define yourself by your actions and your character, not by the words of those who seek to bring you down.

Children, when the world tells you that you are not enough, that you are less than those who came before you, remember that the power to rise above lies within you. Strength comes from standing firm in who you are, not who others think you should be. Be resolute in your journey, and trust that, like the great heroes and sages before you, your actions will speak far louder than the harshest words ever could.