The Value of Patience in Growth: Should Felix follow the new program or stick to regular practice?

By Mary WollstonecraftCharacter Development2 min readGrade 7.9
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a young athlete training for a big competition. Instead of expecting to win immediately, they learn to appreciate the small improvements and the hard work it takes to get better over time, understanding that true growth requires patience.

The Choice

Should Felix follow the new program or stick to regular practice?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 7.9
Word Count
297 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Felix and Sami became close after being paired together for a competition neither of them wanted to enter. Recently, they've been selected for their school's soccer team, and there's a big tournament coming up in a few months. Felix is excited but also a bit impatient; he wants to be the star player right away. Sami, on the other hand, believes in gradual improvement and encourages Felix to focus on practicing regularly and enjoying the game. One day, Felix discovers a new training program online that promises to make him a top player in just a few weeks. He's tempted to try it because it seems like a shortcut to success. However, Sami reminds him that true growth takes time and effort, just like their coach always says. Felix It's time to act.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Patience
vs
Fairness

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

Your Options

A

Try the new training program.

B

Stick to regular practice.

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 Felix be tempted by the quick results?

  3. 3

    How does patience play a role in improving skills?

  4. 4

    How might Mary Wollstonecraft advise Felix 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?

Did you like this dilemma?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Mary Wollstonecraft

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

Related Topics

patience
perseverance
sportsmanship
Portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft by John Opie, circa 1797, showing her in a white dress and black hat, looking thoughtfully to her left.

Mary Wollstonecraft1759-1797

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was a pioneering English feminist philosopher and writer. Her seminal work, 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman' (1792), argued for women's rationality and the necessity of their education for societal progress.

Feminist Philosophy
Enlightenment Philosophy
Liberalism
Explore how Mary Wollstonecraft informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Mary Wollstonecraft or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Value of Patience in Growth — 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 Value of Patience in Growth — 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