Overview
Consider a child who wants to avoid getting bullied at school. Instead of fearing the bullies, they can focus on being kind and making friends, which is something they can control.
The Choice
Yasmin must choose between perfecting decorations or embracing teamwork.
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 9.554412825135206
- Word Count
- 353 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Yasmin and Daiki are in a school club tasked with organizing a charity event. Yasmin is excited but also nervous about the responsibility. She wants everything to go perfectly, but Daiki suggests they focus on enjoying the process and doing their best. As they plan, Yasmin becomes fixated on making sure every detail is flawless, fearing criticism from peers. Daiki, on the other hand, emphasizes teamwork and the joy of contributing to a good cause. One day, they face a decision: Yasmin can either spend extra hours perfecting the decorations, which might lead to burnout, or she can join Daiki in rallying the team to focus on the event's purpose and have fun. Yasmin now faces a choice: (A) Focus on perfecting the decorations or (B) Embrace teamwork and enjoy the process.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Perfect the decorations
Embrace teamwork and fun
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
What would you do, and why?
- 2
How does the principle of Desire and Aversion apply here?
- 3
What are the consequences of focusing on perfection vs. teamwork?
- 4
How might Epictetus advise Yasmin here?
- 5
Turn & tell: What would our class consider the proper action here, and why?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Epictetus
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
