Overview
Imagine waiting for your turn to play a game. Instead of getting upset if it's not your turn yet, you focus on being patient and enjoying the game when it comes to you.
The Choice
Should Diego submit early to stand out or wait to make it excellent?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 9.434496314496315
- Word Count
- 370 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Diego and Jae are part of a school project group tasked with creating a presentation. The teacher has given them a week to complete it. Diego is eager to start right away, while Jae suggests waiting to gather more information and ideas. Diego feels a sense of urgency and wants to impress the teacher by being the first to submit the project. However, Jae believes that taking their time will lead to a better result. As the deadline approaches, Diego notices that other groups are also rushing to finish. He feels pressured to act quickly but remembers the importance of patience and thoroughness. Diego now faces a choice: (A) finish and submit the project now with what they have, because being first shows initiative, or (B) take the full week to gather more information and polish it, because thorough work reflects their true ability.
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
Finish and submit the project now with what they have, because being first shows initiative and the content is already solid
Take the full week to gather more information and polish it, because thorough work reflects their true ability even if others finish first
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 'Acting with Decency and Patience' apply here?
- 3
What are the consequences of rushing vs. being thorough?
- 4
How might Epictetus advise Diego 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.
