The Value of Helping Others: A Friendship Dilemma

By Marcus AureliusRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 9.0
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9
Word Count
339 words
Published
Jan 19, 2025

The Dilemma

Rohan and Zola bonded over a school project two years ago and haven't stopped talking since. One day, Rohan finds himself struggling with a particularly difficult math assignment. Despite trying his best, he can't seem to understand some of the concepts. Zola, on the other hand, has already finished the assignment and is now working on a project for another class. Rohan feels embarrassed to ask for help, fearing Zola might think less of him or that he might be bothering her. Meanwhile, Zola notices Rohan's frustration and offers to help him. However, Rohan hesitates, thinking he should be able to solve it on his own. He also worries about taking up Zola's time, knowing she has her own work to do. Rohan

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Responsibility

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

Your Options

A

Accept Zola's offer to help.

B

Try to solve it alone.

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

    Why might Rohan feel embarrassed to ask for help?

  3. 3

    How can asking for help benefit both Rohan and Zola?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Rohan 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
responsibility
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

The Value of Helping 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

The Value of Helping 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