You see stuff that is cheating, no question, and it needs to be

Hear now the voice of the cue-master, Neil Robertson, whose words carry the weight of truth spoken in the halls of contest: “You see stuff that is cheating, no question, and it needs to be sorted out. The biggest thing is moving on the shot by an opponent.” These words are not merely about the game of snooker, nor about the contest of balls upon green cloth—they are a reflection of life itself, of struggle, of justice, and of the spirit that must endure even in the presence of dishonor. For in every age, men have faced deceit, unfairness, and treachery. But the lesson is eternal: though the world may cheat, the noble soul must hold to honor and keep moving forward.

The ancients knew well the bitterness of cheating, for men have always sought crooked ways to grasp victory. In battle, in politics, in commerce, the hand of deception has long reached for the prize. Yet what marks the true warrior is not only his strength to resist cheating but his power to rise above it. Robertson’s words speak to this eternal truth—that while cheating must be confronted and corrected, one’s spirit must never be consumed by it. For the greatest blow is not struck by the cheater’s hand, but by the righteous man’s heart if he allows bitterness to cloud his purpose.

Consider the tale of the great Roman general, Fabius Maximus, who faced Hannibal of Carthage. Hannibal was cunning, using tricks, ambushes, and deception to unsettle his foes. Many Roman leaders burned with rage, calling for rash vengeance. But Fabius did not let himself be ensnared by anger. He stood firm, patient, moving carefully, and waiting for his moment. By refusing to let deception bend his spirit, he became known as the Delayer, and in time his strategy saved Rome. Here lies the power of Robertson’s counsel: do not let the cheating hand of another dictate your focus, for your true strength lies in your discipline and composure.

But why does Robertson speak of moving on from the shot of an opponent? Because in the game, as in life, there is always the danger of becoming entangled in another’s action. If a rival strikes unfairly, your mind may linger, your spirit may falter, and your own shot—the moment when destiny calls upon you—will be weakened. To dwell too long on the wrongs of others is to wound yourself twice: once by their dishonor, and again by your own distraction. Thus, the wise man learns to move past the sting of deceit, to hold steady his aim, and to strike when it is his turn.

History too gives us shining examples. When Nelson Mandela was imprisoned unjustly for twenty-seven years, the world saw the greatest form of cheating—a system built on injustice itself. Many would have expected him, upon release, to strike back in vengeance. Yet he did not dwell upon the shot of his opponent. Instead, he moved forward, guiding South Africa toward reconciliation, showing the world that dignity and vision are stronger than bitterness. His greatness was not in ignoring injustice, but in mastering it and refusing to let it define his own destiny.

The teaching, then, is both stern and liberating: life will present you with dishonor, betrayal, and deceit. You must call it what it is, and stand against it when you can. But never let it steal your focus, your composure, or your chance to act. The world will always have cheaters, but your purpose cannot be chained to their shadows. The only path is forward.

Therefore, let this wisdom guide your steps. When wronged, do not dwell. When cheated, do not let rage consume you. Speak truth, but then return to your own task with calm determination. Just as the cue must be steady in the hand of the snooker master, so too must your mind be steady in the face of deceit. Move on from the shot of your opponent, and prepare for your own. In this lies strength, victory, and peace of soul.

For remember this: the cheater wins only if he corrupts your spirit. If you remain unbroken, unbent, and prepared for the next strike, then no dishonor can defeat you. This is the eternal teaching passed down from games, from wars, and from the lives of the great: to rise above, to focus, and to move forward—always forward.