Desire and Aversion: Should Anders focus on winning or on personal improvement?

By EpictetusSchool & Academic Life2 min readGrade 9.9
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

A child wants to be the best player on their sports team but worries about losing. Instead of fixating on winning, they can focus on practicing and improving their skills, which is something they can control, leading to a more enjoyable experience.

The Choice

Should Anders focus on winning or on personal improvement?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.87911031518625
Word Count
349 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Anders has always wanted to be the best player on his school's soccer team. He's been practicing hard and feels confident. However, there's a big game coming up, and Anders is worried about losing. His friend Eun-Kyung notices his anxiety and suggests that instead of focusing on winning, Anders should concentrate on improving his skills and enjoying the game. She reminds him that he can't control the outcome, but he can control how he plays. As the game day approaches, Anders feels the pressure from his teammates who expect him to lead them to victory. Anders now faces a choice: (A) focus on winning the game and meeting his teammates' expectations, or (B) concentrate on his personal improvement and enjoyment of the game.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Fairness
vs
Self-Discipline

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Focus on winning the game

B

Concentrate on personal improvement

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    How does the principle of 'Desire and Aversion' apply here?

  3. 3

    What are the potential consequences of each choice?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Anders here?

  5. 5

    Turn & tell: What would our class consider the proper action here, and why?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Epictetus

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

competition
self-control
sportsmanship
Portrait of Epictetus

Epictetusc. 50-c. 135

Epictetus (c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a prominent Stoic philosopher who began life as a slave in Phrygia. After gaining freedom, he taught philosophy in Rome and later established a renowned school in Nicopolis. Though he wrote nothing, his teachings, recorded …

Stoicism
The Dichotomy of Control (what is in our power vs. what is not)
Prohairesis (Moral Choice/Volition) and the Correct Use of Impressions
Explore how Epictetus informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Epictetus or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Desire and Aversion — 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation
Standard15 min

Desire and Aversion — 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation