All Dilemmas

Confucius on Should Ethan invite Mia to walk with them?

By Confuciusโ€ขRelationships & Social Skillsโ€ข2 min readโ€ขGrade 6.5
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Ethan has been friends with Lucas for years. They always walk home together. One day, Ethan sees a new student, Mia, sitting alone, looking sad.

The Choice

Should Ethan invite Mia to walk with them?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 3-5
Reading Level
Level 6.452430830039528
Word Count
264 words
Published
Mar 24, 2026

The Dilemma

Ethan has been friends with Lucas for years. They always walk home together. One day, Ethan sees a new student, Mia, sitting alone, looking sad. "Hey Ethan, are you coming?" Lucas asks, ready to leave. Ethan wonders if he should invite Mia to join them or stick with his usual routine with Lucas.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Friendship
vs
Kindness

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

Your Options

A

Invite Mia to join them, risking Lucas feeling left out.

B

Stick with Lucas, leaving Mia alone but keeping routine.

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers โ€“ the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What are the benefits of inviting Mia?

  2. 2

    How might Lucas feel if Ethan invites Mia?

  3. 3

    What could Ethan say to include both friends?

  4. 4

    How does Ethan's choice show his character?

  5. 5

    Why is it important to think of others' feelings?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Confucius

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

friendship
kindness
Portrait of Confucius, depicting a wise, robed figure, often shown with a beard, representing the ancient Chinese sage.

Confucius551-479 BCE

Confucius (Kong Qiu, 551-479 BCE) was a pivotal Chinese thinker and educator from the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period. His philosophy, Confucianism, emphasizes personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice,โ€ฆ

Confucianism
Ru School
Ren (ไป โ€“ Humaneness, Benevolence)
Explore how Confucius informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Confucius or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.
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Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Friendship โ€” 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
Classroom
Standard15 min

Friendship โ€” 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
Classroom