All Dilemmas

The Nature of Happiness: Should Anders express his real feelings or adapt quickly to the new plan?

By Epictetus•Character Development•2 min read•Grade 8.5
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

A teenager might want to go to a concert but can't get tickets. Instead of feeling upset, they can choose to enjoy a movie night with friends at home, finding joy in what they have instead of what they lack.

The Choice

Should Anders express his real feelings or adapt quickly to the new plan?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.50926742108398
Word Count
365 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Anders and Eun-Kyung are best friends who love playing soccer. One day, Anders is excited about an upcoming soccer match, but it gets canceled due to unexpected rain. Eun-Kyung suggests they could play video games at her house instead. Anders is disappointed because he was looking forward to the match, but he also knows spending time with Eun-Kyung is fun. He remembers a lesson about finding happiness in what you have rather than what you lack. Anders now faces a choice: (A) be honest with Eun-Kyung that he is really disappointed and needs a moment, or (B) set aside his feelings and jump into the new activity so he does not bring down the mood.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Contentment
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Be honest with Eun-Kyung that he is really disappointed and needs a moment before doing something else

B

Set aside his feelings and jump into the new activity so he does not bring down the mood

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 finding happiness in what you have apply here?

  3. 3

    What are the consequences of each choice?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Anders here?

  5. 5

    Think about a time you had to change plans. 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

contentment
friendship
acceptance
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.
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Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Nature of Happiness — 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
Classroom
Standard15 min

The Nature of Happiness — 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
Classroom