All Dilemmas

True Wealth is Character and Integrity: Should Hugo join Dev shopping or volunteer?

By Epictetus•School & Academic Life•3 min read•Grade 9.0
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

In a classroom, a student who helps others and stands up for what's right is admired by their peers, while another who shows off their new clothes is not as respected. This highlights that true wealth is about character.

The Choice

Should Hugo join Dev shopping or volunteer?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9
Word Count
317 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Hugo and Dev have known each other long enough to know exactly which buttons not to push. One day, during lunch, Dev excitedly shows Hugo a new pair of expensive sneakers he just got. Dev boasts about how these sneakers make him feel popular and cool. Later, in class, their teacher announces a project to help the local community by volunteering at a weekend event. Hugo is enthusiastic about the idea, but Dev seems uninterested, focusing instead on planning a shopping trip to buy more trendy clothes. As the week progresses, Hugo notices that some classmates admire Dev's new sneakers, but others are more impressed by another student, Mia, who regularly volunteers and helps others. Hugo feels torn between wanting to fit in with Dev and the popular crowd and wanting to do something meaningful by volunteering.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Autonomy
vs
Integrity

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

Your Options

A

Join Dev's shopping trip.

B

Volunteer at the community event.

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 Hugo feel torn between these options?

  3. 3

    What are the benefits of volunteering versus shopping?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Hugo 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 Epictetus

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

Related Topics

peer-pressure
integrity
community
Portrait of Epictetus

Epictetusc. 50-c. 135

Epictetus (c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a prominent Stoic philosopher who began life as a slave in Phrygia. After gaining freedom, he taught philosophy in Rome and later established a renowned school in Nicopolis. Though he wrote nothing, his teachings, recorded …

Stoicism
The Dichotomy of Control (what is in our power vs. what is not)
Prohairesis (Moral Choice/Volition) and the Correct Use of Impressions
Explore how Epictetus informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Epictetus or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.
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Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

True Wealth is Character and Integrity — 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

True Wealth is Character and Integrity — 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