All Dilemmas

Confucius on Should Lily share the special rock with Max?

By Confuciusโ€ขRelationships & Social Skillsโ€ข2 min readโ€ขGrade 4.2
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Lily and Max met on the first day of middle school and quickly became each other's most trusted confidants. At recess, Lily finds a big, shiny rock she really likes.

The Choice

Should Lily share the special rock with Max?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 4.186403162055338
Word Count
230 words
Published
Mar 24, 2026

The Dilemma

Lily and Max met on the first day of middle school and quickly became each other's most trusted confidants. At recess, Lily finds a big, shiny rock she really likes. Max sees Lily with the rock and wants it because he thinks it's special too. "We can have fun with it together," Max says. But Lily isn't sure if she wants to share it.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Friendship
vs
Sharing

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

Your Options

A

Lily shares the special rock with Max.

B

Lily keeps the rock for herself.

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

    Why might Lily want to share the rock?

  2. 2

    Why might Lily want to keep the rock?

  3. 3

    How would sharing the rock make Max feel?

  4. 4

    How would keeping the rock make Lily feel?

  5. 5

    What does being a good friend mean to you?

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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
sharing
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