Introduction
People often debate about the best approach to living life. A common question is whether it is better to live in the moment or plan for the future. What do you think Henry and Ashley’s thoughts are on this topic? Let’s hear what they have to say.



Constructive Debater 1 Henry
It is better to live in the moment. Many people focus too much on the future. They are always thinking about what they need to do next. By doing this, they miss out on very important moments in the present. For example, many kids think about what they will do when they grow up. Thinking about the future is important. However, it is also important to live in the moment and enjoy one’s youth.



Constructive Debater 2 Ashley
It is better to plan for the future. We should always be thinking ahead to the future. It is difficult to accomplish our goals if we only live in the moment. Also, it is smarter and safer to plan for the future. For example, people save money for their retirement years. People need to do this to have money after they stop working. Saving money is also good in case there is an emergency.



Rebuttal Debater 1 Henry
You cannot predict everything that will happen in the future. Imagine if you planned a perfect day at the park, but it rains on the day that you planned to go. Or, you may plan to be a doctor, but realize later on that you want to be a teacher. Sometimes things do not go as planned. That is why it is better to live in the moment. You are better able to adapt to changes.



Rebuttal Debater 2 Ashley
We should focus on the future in order to meet our goals. It often takes a number of steps to achieve big goals. That is why people should always be thinking about what they need to do next. Without planning, people will not take steps forward towards achieving their objectives. It may be impossible to predict everything that will happen. However, it is still better to plan for the future.



Judge’s Comments
The winner is Ashley. Henry committed the fallacy called “circular logic.” Debaters commit this fallacy when they assume the argument that they are trying to prove is already true. Henry said, “It is better to live in the moment” because “it is important to live in the moment.” He assumes that it is important to live in the moment.

Karen Lee