Overview
In a community project, a group of students decides to plant a garden together. By focusing on the common goal of beautifying their school, they learn to work together harmoniously, and their individual efforts contribute to a shared success.
The Choice
Should Dev allow flowers or stick to vegetables?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 9.7
- Word Count
- 324 words
- Published
- Jun 6, 2025
The Dilemma
Dev and Olivia are part of a school project to create a community garden. The project is meant to beautify the school and provide fresh vegetables for the cafeteria. Dev is in charge of organizing the planting schedule, while Olivia is responsible for gathering supplies. As the project progresses, Dev notices that some students are more interested in planting flowers for a competition rather than focusing on the vegetables, which are the main goal of the project. Olivia suggests they let the students plant flowers too, as it might increase participation and make the garden more colorful. However, Dev is concerned that focusing on flowers might take away from the original purpose of providing vegetables for the school. Dev No one else can make this call.
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
Allow students to plant flowers.
Stick to planting only vegetables.
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
How do you think planting flowers might affect the project?
- 3
Why is it important to focus on a common goal?
- 4
How might Marcus Aurelius advise Dev 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 Marcus Aurelius
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
