BALLOON DEBATE

High-Flyers Gallery

You have to decide which 7 to throw over the side

if the balloon crashes you will all die

You are in a hot air balloon which is losing height rapidly and will soon crash because it is overweight. You are travelling with a group of school children who will grow up to be very famous. The passengers are:

Facts to Consider in Making This Decision

Humanitarian Impact

If we had to evaluate direct human suffering alleviated:

Mother Teresa cared for thousands of dying and destitute people in Calcutta
Gandhi's nonviolent methods prevented countless deaths that war would have caused
Mandela's work ended apartheid and prevented potential civil war in South Africa
Lincoln's actions ended slavery for 4 million people

Scientific and Technological Progress

If we had to measure advancement of human knowledge:

Einstein's theories revolutionized physics and led to nuclear energy, GPS, and modern cosmology
Edison held 1,093 patents and created practical electric light, phonograph, and motion pictures
Darwin's theory of evolution transformed biology, medicine, and our understanding of life itself
Leonardo da Vinci advanced anatomy, engineering, and multiple scientific fields centuries ahead of his time

Cultural and Artistic Legacy

If we had to consider enrichment of human experience:

Shakespeare created 37 plays and 154 sonnets that defined English literature
Beethoven composed 9 symphonies that transformed classical music
Van Gogh's post-impressionist art influenced entire movements
Cervantes wrote Don Quixote, considered the first modern novel

Contemporary Influence

If we had to assess current cultural impact:

Taylor Swift has influenced millions through music and advocacy
Messi inspired countless people through athletic excellence
JK Rowling's Harry Potter books encouraged a generation to read
Steve Jobs revolutionized personal computing, smartphones, and digital media
Maradona brought joy to millions and became a cultural icon

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER MORE IMPORTANT FOR HUMANITY?

Instructions

Read each pair and choose which one you think is MORE IMPORTANT for humanity. There are no wrong answers! Be ready to explain your choice.

ARTISTS or SCIENTISTS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________
HUMANITARIAN WORKERS or INVENTORS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________
POLITICAL LEADERS or WRITERS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________
MUSICIANS or DOCTORS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________
SPORTS PLAYERS or TEACHERS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________
PAINTERS or ENGINEERS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________
PHILOSOPHERS or BUSINESS INNOVATORS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________
POETS or MEDICAL RESEARCHERS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________
FREEDOM FIGHTERS or TECHNOLOGY CREATORS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________
FILM DIRECTORS or ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________
NOVELISTS or MATHEMATICIANS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________
SOCIAL ACTIVISTS or ARCHITECTS?

Your choice: _______________

Why? _______________________________________________

Discussion Questions:

Which choice was the hardest for you? Why?
Can humanity survive without one of these groups?
Did any of your answers surprise you?