The Nature of Change: A Friendship Dilemma

By Marcus AureliusRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 10.4
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 10.4
Word Count
316 words
Published
Jan 19, 2025

The Dilemma

Talia and Haruto were best friends who loved to explore new trends, from fashion to technology. Recently, a new social media platform became popular at their school, and everyone was eager to join and gain followers. Talia noticed that Haruto was spending more time on the platform, trying to become popular, and it seemed to be affecting his schoolwork and their friendship. Talia valued their friendship and was concerned about Haruto's well-being, but she also felt the pressure to join the trend herself. She remembered a time when they both enjoyed simpler activities, like biking and drawing, which felt more meaningful. Talia

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Autonomy

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

Your Options

A

Join the social media trend.

B

Encourage meaningful activities with Haruto.

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

    How might joining the trend affect Talia and Haruto's friendship?

  3. 3

    What are the benefits and drawbacks of focusing on meaningful activities?

  4. 4

    How might Marcus Aurelius advise Talia 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 Marcus Aurelius

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

Related Topics

friendship
peer-pressure
self-awareness
Marble bust of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, featuring curly hair and beard, looking slightly to his left.

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus121-180

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was a Roman Emperor and a leading Stoic philosopher. His reign was marked by military conflict and plague, yet he is renowned for his Meditations, a personal journal reflecting on Stoic principles of virtue, duty, and resilience.

Stoicism
Practical application of Stoic philosophy to daily life and leadership
Emphasis on reason, virtue, and duty to the common good (cosmopolis)
Explore how Marcus Aurelius Antoninus informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Marcus Aurelius Antoninus or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Nature of Change — 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

The Nature of Change — 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