Understanding Life's Changes: A Friendship Dilemma

By Marcus AureliusRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 8.5
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.5
Word Count
329 words
Published
Jan 19, 2025

The Dilemma

Hugo and Lin have been inseparable since the third grade, always pushing each other to try new things. They share everything, from their favorite video games to their secret hideout in the park. One day, Lin tells Hugo that her family is moving to another city because her dad got a new job. Hugo is devastated by the news and can't imagine his life without Lin by his side. Over the next few days, Hugo finds himself feeling angry and sad. He doesn't want things to change, but he knows that Lin has to go with her family. Lin, on the other hand, is trying to stay positive and suggests they can still talk every day online and visit each other during holidays.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Acceptance

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

Your Options

A

Accept the change and stay friends.

B

Distance himself to avoid missing Lin.

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 do you think Hugo feels about Lin moving away?

  3. 3

    What are some ways Hugo and Lin can stay connected?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Hugo 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

friendship
acceptance
empathy
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

Understanding Life's Changes — 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

Understanding Life's Changes — 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