The Value of Manual Skills: Should Haruto join the gardening club or not?

By John LockeCharacter Development2 min readGrade 8.7
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a young person who spends all their time studying but feels tired and unmotivated. They decide to take up gardening, which not only relaxes their mind but also gives them fresh vegetables to eat, showing how practical skills can enhance life.

The Choice

Should Haruto join the gardening club or not?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.7
Word Count
306 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Haruto, a 12-year-old, loves playing video games and excels in his studies, but lately, he's been feeling tired and unmotivated. His friend Sameer suggests they both join the school's new gardening club, which promises to be a fun way to learn about growing plants and spend time outdoors. Haruto is intrigued but hesitates, as it would mean less time for gaming and studying. Sameer shares how gardening has helped him feel more energetic and focused. Haruto wonders if learning a manual skill like gardening could help him feel better and more balanced. However, he's worried about falling behind in his studies or missing out on gaming with his online friends.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Responsibility
vs
Self-Knowledge

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

Your Options

A

Join the gardening club.

B

Focus on studies and gaming.

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 gardening benefit Haruto beyond physical activity?

  3. 3

    What are the potential downsides of focusing only on studies and gaming?

  4. 4

    How might John Locke advise Haruto 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?

Did you like this dilemma?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from John Locke

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

Related Topics

responsibility
self-awareness
healthy-lifestyles
Portrait of John Locke, the English Enlightenment philosopher

John Locke1632-1704

John Locke (1632-1704) was a highly influential English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most important Enlightenment thinkers. Known as the 'Father of Liberalism' and founder of British empiricism, he profoundly impacted Western pol…

Empiricism
Liberalism
Development of Empiricism (Tabula Rasa)
Explore how John Locke informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about John Locke or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Value of Manual Skills — 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

The Value of Manual Skills — 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