Learning from Others: A Friendship Dilemma

By Marcus AureliusRelationships & Social Skills3 min readGrade 8.7
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.7
Word Count
362 words
Published
Jan 19, 2025

The Dilemma

Lily and Inaya became close after being paired together for a competition neither of them wanted to enter. They both love playing soccer and are part of the school's soccer team. Their coach recently announced a big tournament, and everyone is excited. However, during practice, Lily notices that Inaya is struggling with some of the drills. Inaya has always been a bit shy about asking for help, and Lily remembers a time when she herself learned a lot by asking their coach for advice. Lily knows that the tournament is important to Inaya, who dreams of being the team captain one day.

Lily wonders if she should offer to help Inaya improve her skills or let Inaya figure it out on her own. She recalls how much she benefited from learning from others and wants to share that experience with Inaya. However, she's also aware that Inaya might feel embarrassed or pressured if she offers help without being asked. Lily

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Compassion

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

Your Options

A

Help Inaya with soccer skills.

B

Let Inaya seek help herself.

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 can learning from others benefit us?

  3. 3

    What might happen if Lily offers help without being asked?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Lily 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
collaboration
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

Learning from Others — 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

Learning from Others — 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