Peter, why do I get the idea that you are thinking of this as a golden opportunity for Peter Wiggin? For both of us, Val. Peter, you're twelve years old. I'm ten. They have a word for people our age. They call us children and they treat us like mice. But we don't think like other children, do we, Val? We don't talk like other children. And above all, we don't write like other children. For a discussion that began with death threats, Peter, we've strayed from the topic, I think.
In this excerpt from "Ender's Game," Peter and Val reflect on their unique perspectives as young individuals in a world that underestimates them due to their age. Peter acknowledges the perception of children as mere "mice," entities often disregarded, yet both he and Val feel a sense of superiority in their thinking and expression. They recognize that their thoughts and capabilities set them apart from their peers.
Despite the initial seriousness of their conversation about death threats, the discussion reveals a deeper layer of their relationship. The exchange highlights Peter's ambition and Val's understanding of their potential, showcasing the complexity of childhood in a high-stakes environment. Their dialogue emphasizes that age does not define maturity or intellect, suggesting that they possess the skills and insights that are often overlooked by adults.
