Reflecting on how to stay true to yourself when facing criticism and harassment, inspired by the passing of Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky

GM Daniel Naroditsky has passed away, and as someone who was part of the chess community and a big chess viewer, I've been deeply affected by this loss. I didn't know Daniel personally, but like many viewers, I knew him through his streams, his content, his authenticity.

I don't know the full details of what happened - just the speculation from the community and comments I've read. What I do know is that Daniel faced years of allegations about cheating from various people, including former world champions, often without solid proof. Despite reports showing nothing wrong with his statistics, these accusations continued relentlessly for years.

I don't know if that contributed to his passing. What I do know is that I loved that man. He was amazing - so funny, so real, authentic, open, smart, and sharp.

The Universal Question

This tragedy has sparked some thoughts I want to share - not as judgment about specific people or situations, but as a philosophical reflection on taking responsibility for our own lives. Daniel chose to be a public figure: a commentator, streamer, YouTuber, educator, and famous person in the chess community. Being authentic and successful as he was, he reached the hearts of many people he never personally knew.

But as a public figure, he faced criticism. And this raises a universal question: How should we face situations where people are trying to hurt us?

Different Approaches Throughout History

Jesus famously said that if someone slaps you on one cheek, offer them the other cheek.

In Judaism, there's the principle that if someone wakes up intending to kill you, you must wake up earlier and defend yourself first. These represent two very different approaches.

If someone slaps me on the street, what should I do? Slap back? Yell? Run away? And what if it happens every day for years?

Throughout history, people have taken different approaches. Some try to hide, going out with hats to avoid recognition. Others just keep walking, taking the hits and moving forward.

The Challenge of Public Opinion

When we're not talking about physical assault but verbal bullying, harassment, and hate - how should we treat that? Some YouTubers use "pin of shame" highlighting hateful comments to expose the haters. Others do nothing, hoping it will stop. Some, like Daniel, try to clean their name and show they're acting in good faith.

If someone is spamming or cursing you without even knowing you, how should you respond? Should you curse back? Should you say "I don't give a f* about you or what you think"? Should you just move on?

I don't yet know.

BUT, there is one thing:

My Realization

Here's what I've come to understand:

First, maintain the right posture. Stand tall, stay grounded.

Second, continue doing what you wanted to do before they criticized you. Don't let public opinion derail your actions. Before they called you a cheater, a liar, or whatever else - you had a purpose, a mission, something in your heart you wanted to accomplish. Keep doing that.

I'm not saying public opinion should never influence you - there are cases where feedback can change your perspective. But if it doesn't genuinely change your understanding, then the answer is clear: do what's in your heart regardless of public opinion.

The strongest people I observe share this approach. They show they don't care not by saying "I don't care" but by continuing to do whatever they feel they need to do, whatever they want to do.

The Path Forward

Move forward without worrying about what other people think of you. Do what's in your heart. That's it.

Rest in peace, Daniel. Thank you for being authentically you.