Overview
Imagine you're at a party where everyone is getting snacks. Instead of grabbing everything you want right away, you wait your turn and take what you like when it’s offered to you. This shows respect for others and teaches patience.
The Choice
Should Anders wait his turn or try to get ahead?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 9.397481572481574
- Word Count
- 407 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Anders and Eun-Kyung are at a local park where a community event is taking place. There’s a game booth offering a limited edition toy to the first ten winners. Anders is excited and wants to play immediately. However, he notices a long line of younger kids waiting patiently for their turn. Eun-Kyung suggests they wait, as it would be fair to let the kids go first. Anders feels torn because he really wants the toy, but he also understands the importance of patience and decency. As the line progresses, he sees some kids giving up, but others still eagerly waiting. Anders now faces a choice: (A) wait patiently even if it means the toys run out, because fairness matters more than winning a prize, or (B) join the line now before more people arrive, because the event is first-come-first-served and waiting too long is his own loss.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Wait patiently even if it means the toys run out, because fairness to the younger kids matters more than winning a prize
Join the line now before more people arrive, because the event is first-come-first-served and waiting too long is his own loss
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
What would you do, and why?
- 2
How does patience and decency apply here?
- 3
What are the consequences of each choice?
- 4
How might Epictetus advise Anders here?
- 5
Turn & tell: What would our class consider the proper action here, and why?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Epictetus
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
