Marcus Aurelius on Should Lily help Max or go home to her puzzle?

By Marcus AureliusRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 3.6
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Lily and Max are playing in the park. Max has a new kite, but he's sad because it won't fly.

The Choice

Should Lily help Max or go home to her puzzle?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 3.586961486789072
Word Count
203 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Lily and Max are playing in the park. Max has a new kite, but he's sad because it won't fly. He wants Lily to help him. Lily has a puzzle she's excited to solve at home. "Can you help me, Lily?" asks Max.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Wisdom
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Help Max with his kite.

B

Go home to solve her puzzle.

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 would Lily feel if she helped Max?

  2. 2

    What might happen if Lily goes home instead?

  3. 3

    Can Lily think about how Max feels?

  4. 4

    Is it okay to sometimes choose yourself?

  5. 5

    What does being a good friend mean?

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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

perspective
friendship
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 Value of Perspective — 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