All Dilemmas

Acting with Decency and Patience: Should Anders speak up for their turn or wait?

By Epictetus•Technology Ethics•2 min read•Grade 9.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine you're waiting for your turn to play a game at recess. Instead of pushing ahead or getting upset if it's not your turn, you wait patiently, knowing that your time will come, and you can enjoy the game more when it's your turn.

The Choice

Should Anders speak up for their turn or wait?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.307471435668159
Word Count
366 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Anders and Eun-Kyung are in the school library working on a group project. The library has a limited number of computers, and they've been waiting for their turn. As they wait, a librarian announces that one computer is available. Anders is eager to start, but another group, who arrived after them, rushes to the computer. Eun-Kyung suggests that they should speak up since it was their turn. Anders hesitates, considering whether to confront the other group or wait patiently for the next available computer. He wonders if it's better to assert their right or to show patience, knowing that their time will eventually come. Anders now faces a choice: (A) speak up about their turn or (B) wait patiently for the next computer.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Fairness
vs
Patience

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

Your Options

A

Speak up about their turn

B

Wait patiently for the next computer

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 acting with decency and patience apply here?

  3. 3

    What are the consequences of speaking up versus waiting?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Anders here?

  5. 5

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

Did you like this dilemma?

Loading poll data...

Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Epictetus

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

Related Topics

fairness
patience
responsibility
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.
View ProfileMore Dilemmas

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Acting with Decency and Patience — 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

Acting with Decency and Patience — 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