Overview
Mei has a piano recital next week. She knows practicing will make her feel proud and play beautifully, but watching funny animal videos on the tablet is easier and more fun right now. She has to decide how to spend her afternoon.
The Choice
Should Mei practice piano or watch funny videos?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 3-5
- Reading Level
- Level 6.848249920810897
- Word Count
- 287 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Mei's piano recital is one week away. She has been learning a difficult piece by Beethoven, and when she plays it well, she feels amazing — like she can do anything. But today, after school, Mei is tired. Her tablet is sitting on the couch, and she knows there are hundreds of funny animal videos waiting for her. Watching them would make her laugh and feel relaxed. Practicing piano takes effort and sometimes feels frustrating, but Mei remembers how proud she felt at her last recital when the audience clapped.
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
Watch funny videos because they make her laugh right now.
Practice piano because the recital will bring a deeper kind of happiness.
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 kind of happiness does watching videos give Mei?
- 2
What kind of happiness does playing piano well give Mei?
- 3
Which happiness lasts longer?
- 4
Can something that is hard to do still make us happy?
- 5
What is something you work hard at that makes you feel proud?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from John Stuart Mill
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.