Resilience in Adversity: Should Min-jun skip the match or play?

By EpictetusCharacter Development2 min readGrade 7.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a student who fails a math test. Instead of giving up, they seek help from their teacher and practice more, determined to improve for the next test. This shows resilience and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

The Choice

Should Min-jun skip the match or play?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 7.3
Word Count
300 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Min-jun and Talia have known each other long enough to know exactly which buttons not to push. They are part of the school's soccer team, and a big match is coming up. Min-jun, who is usually a star player, has been struggling with his performance lately. He missed several goals in practice, and his confidence is shaken. Talia notices Min-jun's frustration and suggests they practice together after school. As they practice, Min-jun starts to improve, but he still feels anxious about the upcoming match. The day before the game, Min-jun overhears some teammates doubting his ability to perform well. Feeling discouraged, he considers skipping the match to avoid letting the team down. However, he also remembers how much he loves the game and the encouragement from Talia.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Perseverance
vs
Autonomy

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

Your Options

A

Skip the match.

B

Play in the match.

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 might Min-jun feel if he skips the match?

  3. 3

    What could happen if Min-jun plays and doesn't perform well?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Min-jun in this situation?

  5. 5

    Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Epictetus

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

Related Topics

resilience
peer-pressure
sportsmanship
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.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Resilience in Adversity — 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
Standard15 min

Resilience in Adversity — 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