Overview
Consider a player on a sports team who practices hard but loses a game. Instead of blaming the referee or the weather, they focus on improving their skills and teamwork for the next match, realizing that their effort is what they can control.
The Choice
Should Ivan blame external factors or focus on self-improvement?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 7.7
- Word Count
- 286 words
- Published
- Jun 7, 2025
The Dilemma
Ivan and Nia are part of their school's soccer team. They have been practicing hard for an upcoming tournament. On the day of the match, it starts raining heavily, making the field slippery. Despite their efforts, their team loses the game. After the match, Ivan hears his teammates blaming the referee for bad calls and the weather for their loss. Nia, however, suggests that they focus on what they can control, like improving their teamwork and skills for future games. Ivan The moment of decision has arrived.
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
Blame external factors.
Focus on self-improvement.
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
Why might it feel easier to blame others?
- 3
How can focusing on self-improvement help Ivan?
- 4
How might Epictetus advise Ivan in this situation?
- 5
Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?
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.
