Imagine a disaster occurred: If you had to choose between saving one family member from death or twenty strangers which would you choose and why?
This is one of those questions that really makes you pause and think deeply before giving an answer. The moment I first came across it, I found myself reflecting for a long time because it’s not something you can just answer immediately. The choice between saving one family member or twenty strangers is such a tough situation. On one hand, there’s the logic that twenty lives are worth more than one. But on the other hand, that one life could be someone who means the world to you — someone who has been a huge part of your existence.
If I’m being completely honest with myself, I would choose to save my family member. Let’s say it’s my brother, for example. He’s someone I share a very deep bond with, someone who has always been there for me in ways that strangers never could. I can’t even count the number of times he has supported me, guided me, and stood by me during difficult moments. Whether it was offering advice when I was confused, providing for me when I lacked something, or simply being there when I needed someone to talk to, he’s always played a huge role in my life. The idea of losing someone because i choose to save some strangers is something I honestly don’t think I could bear.
Of course, those twenty strangers might have their own families too, but to me, in that moment, my brother’s life would hold the greatest value because of the personal relationship we share.
Another thing is, if I were in danger, I knew a family member like my brother would be able to do the same for me without even thinking twice. He has always been that kind of person — loyal, protective, and selfless when it comes to family. That’s part of the reason why I feel I owe him the same level of love and loyalty. Strangers might walk past me if I were in trouble, but I can say with certainty that a family member would try everything possible to save me.
It’s definitely not an easy choice to make, and I know some people would disagree with me, saying that saving twenty lives is a bigger and nobler act. Honestly, I respect that point of view because it’s valid, too. But for me, it’s not just about doing what looks right to the world — it’s about doing what my heart tells me is right in that moment. Family, to me, is everything. They are the people who have been there through thick and thin, and I just can’t imagine letting go of someone who has given so much to me for the sake of people I don’t even know.
So yes, if I were faced with that impossible choice, I would save my family member. This is not because I don’t value other people’s lives, but because of love, the bond of my family is more important to me.
Thanks for reading.