Overview
Imagine you're at a birthday party and your favorite dessert is being served. Instead of grabbing it immediately or feeling upset if it hasn't come to you yet, you wait patiently for your turn, enjoying the moment and the company around you.
The Choice
Should Clara seize the moment with Chen or wait her turn?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 9.345093795093796
- Word Count
- 396 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Clara and Chen are in the school cafeteria during lunch. Clara notices that her favorite dessert, chocolate cake, is being served, but there's only a limited amount left. Chen suggests they quickly cut the line to grab the cake before it runs out. Clara hesitates, knowing that cutting the line isn't fair to others who have been waiting patiently. However, she also really wants the cake and fears it might be gone if she waits. As Clara looks around, she sees other students waiting patiently, and she remembers how upset she gets when others cut in front of her. Clara now faces a choice: (A) grab the last slices with Chen before they are gone, because sometimes you have to act quickly or miss out, or (B) wait in line even if the cake runs out, because being fair to other students matters more.
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
Grab the last slices with Chen before they are gone, because sometimes you have to act quickly or miss out entirely
Wait in line even if the cake runs out, because being fair to other students is more important than getting dessert
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 the principle of patience apply here?
- 3
What are the consequences of each choice?
- 4
How might Epictetus advise Clara 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.
