Living According to Nature: An Authenticity Dilemma

By Marcus AureliusCharacter Development2 min readGrade 9.1
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.1
Word Count
309 words
Published
Jan 19, 2025

The Dilemma

Nita and Nikhil grew up on the same street and have shared almost every milestone together. Nita has always been passionate about painting, spending hours creating vibrant artworks. Her parents, however, want her to focus on academics, believing it will lead to a stable career. Nikhil, aware of Nita's talent, encourages her to enter a local art contest. He believes winning could prove her potential to her parents. Nita is excited but also anxious about disappointing her parents if she devotes time to art instead of studies. She knows that pursuing art makes her feel alive and true to herself, but the pressure to conform to her parents' expectations is strong. Nita It's time to act.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Autonomy
vs
Responsibility

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

Your Options

A

Enter the art contest.

B

Focus on her studies.

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 does Nita's passion for art influence her decision?

  3. 3

    What are the possible outcomes of each choice for Nita?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Nita 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 Marcus Aurelius

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

Related Topics

authenticity
peer-pressure
responsibility
Marble bust of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, featuring curly hair and beard, looking slightly to his left.

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus121-180

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was a Roman Emperor and a leading Stoic philosopher. His reign was marked by military conflict and plague, yet he is renowned for his Meditations, a personal journal reflecting on Stoic principles of virtue, duty, and resilience.

Stoicism
Practical application of Stoic philosophy to daily life and leadership
Emphasis on reason, virtue, and duty to the common good (cosmopolis)
Explore how Marcus Aurelius Antoninus informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Marcus Aurelius Antoninus or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Living According to Nature — 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

Living According to Nature — 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