Overview
If someone teases you at school, instead of getting upset, you remember that it’s your choice how to react. You can choose to laugh it off or talk to them about how it makes you feel.
The Choice
Bjorn must choose to confront Alex or talk to a teacher.
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 8.673439153439155
- Word Count
- 324 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Bjorn and Hana are working on a science project together at school. They've been friends for a while, but today Hana seems upset. During lunch, Hana tells Bjorn that another classmate, Alex, made fun of her presentation style in front of the class. Bjorn feels a mix of anger and confusion. He wants to stand up for Hana, but he also knows that reacting impulsively might make things worse. Bjorn remembers a lesson about choosing how to respond to situations. He considers talking to Alex calmly or reporting the incident to a teacher. Bjorn now faces a choice: (A) Confront Alex directly and express his feelings, or (B) Discuss the situation with a teacher to find a solution.
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
Confront Alex directly
Talk to a teacher
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 choosing our reactions apply here?
- 3
What are the possible outcomes of each choice?
- 4
How might Epictetus advise Bjorn 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.
