Confucius on Should Emily lead the project or support Mia after school?

By ConfuciusCharacter Development2 min readGrade 8.9
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Emily is part of the school's volunteer club, which usually meets after school to organize community service projects.

The Choice

Should Emily lead the project or support Mia after school?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.909331727874775
Word Count
302 words
Published
Mar 24, 2026

The Dilemma

Emily is part of the school's volunteer club, which usually meets after school to organize community service projects. She's been chosen to lead the next project, but her best friend Mia tells her that she really needs Emily’s support after school this week because she’s going through a tough time. Emily knows she can’t do both. 'What should I do, Emily?' Mia asks with a worried look. Emily feels torn between her responsibility to the club and her desire to be there for Mia.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Responsibility
vs
Friendship

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

Your Options

A

Lead the project for the club.

B

Support Mia after school.

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

    How important is it to fulfill responsibilities to a group?

  2. 2

    What does it mean to be a good friend?

  3. 3

    Can helping one person be more impactful than helping many?

  4. 4

    How can Emily balance her commitments?

  5. 5

    What would be the consequences of her decision?

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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

responsibility
friendship
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,…

Confucianism
Ru School
Ren (仁 – 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.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Self-Cultivation — 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

Self-Cultivation — 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