Marcus Aurelius on Should Alex join the camping trip or stick to his practice?

By Marcus AureliusCharacter Development2 min readGrade 9.9
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Alex has been practicing guitar every day for months to prepare for an important school performance. However, his friends invite him to join them on a weekend camping trip that would interfere with his practice schedule.

The Choice

Should Alex join the camping trip or stick to his practice?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 9-12
Reading Level
Level 9.89529605263158
Word Count
320 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Alex has been practicing guitar every day for months to prepare for an important school performance. However, his friends invite him to join them on a weekend camping trip that would interfere with his practice schedule. Alex knows that the camping trip will be a lot of fun and a rare chance to bond with friends, but missing practice might affect his performance, which he values highly.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Self-Discipline
vs
Integrity

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

Your Options

A

Join the camping trip with friends.

B

Stick to the practice schedule.

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 are the potential long-term impacts of each choice?

  2. 2

    How might Alex feel about his decision later?

  3. 3

    What values are in conflict for Alex?

  4. 4

    How does each option reflect self-discipline?

  5. 5

    What would you do in Alex's position, and why?

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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

self-discipline
priorities
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 Practice of Self-Discipline — 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