You have to be kind with the pressure. You have to make

Hear me now, for the words of Jannik Sinner, the young warrior of the modern age, carry the echo of ancient truths. He speaks, "You have to be kind with the pressure. You have to make friendship." In this, young ones, lies a profound wisdom, a reminder that the greatest battles in life are not fought with brute force, but with grace, patience, and the forging of bonds that uplift us. Pressure, that relentless force that seeks to break the spirit, is a constant in life, whether in the arena of sport, in the trials of the heart, or in the pursuit of any noble goal. Yet Sinner teaches us that it is not through resistance, but through kindness and connection, that we overcome the challenges set before us.

In the ancient times, when warriors prepared for battle, they did not rely solely on their strength, but on their ability to remain calm and centered in the face of fear and uncertainty. Socrates, that wise philosopher, taught that virtue is not born from external circumstances, but from the way we handle the trials life sets before us. It is easy to be steadfast when the path is smooth, but the true measure of a person’s spirit is how they hold themselves in the face of pressure. Jannik Sinner echoes this sentiment when he urges us to be kind with the pressure—understanding that it is not something to fight against with harshness or anger, but something to approach with patience, wisdom, and grace.

Consider the story of Hercules, the mighty hero of Greek legend. Hercules, though a figure of unmatched strength, was often placed in situations that required more than mere physical might. In his Twelve Labors, he faced tasks that tested not just his body but his mind and heart. It was not enough to defeat his enemies with brute force; he had to learn to navigate the weight of his burdens with wisdom. In one labor, he had to clean the Augean Stables, a task so monumental that many believed it impossible. Yet he approached it not with fury, but with cleverness, devising a solution that would not only accomplish the task but change the very flow of the river. He knew that pressure is best faced not by force, but by understanding and kindness, finding the path of least resistance, and allowing wisdom to guide his hand.

Jannik Sinner’s words speak to this same understanding—life is full of pressure, whether on the court or in the heart, and it is the way we respond to that pressure that defines us. To be kind to pressure is to recognize it not as an enemy to be defeated, but as a teacher, an opportunity for growth. Sinner asks us to not only endure but to embrace the challenge, to transform it into something that serves us, and in doing so, to make friendships that will stand the test of time. Friendship, after all, is not just a bond between individuals; it is a bond that allows us to endure the weight of life’s trials together, to face pressure with the knowledge that we are not alone.

The concept of friendship was sacred to the Romans, who understood that the strength of a community lies not in the individual, but in the bonds between people. Cicero, that great philosopher and orator, spoke often of the importance of friendship, teaching that it is through the nurturing of relationships that we build strength, not just in times of peace, but in times of hardship as well. Sinner calls us to make friendship with pressure, to invite it into our lives as a trusted companion. In doing so, we create a network of support—both within ourselves and around us—that helps us navigate the stormy seas of challenge with clarity and resolve.

Let us not forget that friendship is not a passive force. It requires work, patience, and vulnerability. Just as Sinner teaches us to be kind with pressure, we must also be kind with those we call our friends. Friendship is forged not in moments of ease, but in the moments when the pressure of life seems unbearable. It is in these moments that true friendship is tested, when we offer each other strength, solace, and wisdom. The bonds we form in the heat of the storm become the foundation of our lives, supporting us when we falter, and helping us rise when we fall.

And so, I leave you with this lesson, young ones: life will bring pressure, for it is the nature of the world to challenge us. But how we meet that pressure is what shapes us. Be kind with pressure. See it not as a burden, but as a chance to grow, to learn, and to build stronger bonds. And in the midst of it all, make friendships—bonds that will lift you when you are weary, and carry you when you are weak. When the storm clouds gather, it is not your strength alone that will see you through, but the kindness with which you meet the challenge, and the friends who stand beside you. Let your life be shaped by grace, wisdom, and the power of friendship, and in this way, you will endure whatever pressures come your way.