Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 10
- Word Count
- 350 words
- Published
- Jan 19, 2025
The Dilemma
Mei and Camila are classmates and best friends. In their art class, the teacher assigns a project where each student must create a piece inspired by a personal hero. Mei chooses her grandmother, a talented painter, while Camila decides to focus on her older brother, who is a dedicated volunteer at a local shelter. As they work, Mei notices how Camila captures her brother's kindness and dedication in her artwork. Mei is inspired by this and begins to think about how she can incorporate her grandmother's patience and creativity into her own life. However, as the deadline approaches, Mei struggles with her project and feels tempted to take a shortcut by copying a famous painting instead. Camila, noticing Mei's dilemma, offers to help her brainstorm ideas that truly reflect her grandmother's virtues. Mei
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
Accept Camila's help.
Copy a famous painting.
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
Why might Mei feel tempted to copy a painting?
- 3
How can Camila's virtues inspire Mei's decision?
- 4
How might Marcus Aurelius advise Mei in this situation?
- 5
Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Marcus Aurelius
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
