#life The more sophisticated a society, the fewer children are born!
This phenomenon is most visible in Japan where authorities are urging young couples to procreate!
But with more and more women entering the work force, modern youth is reluctant to be tied down by the need to raise kids!
Eventually, of course, there are more deaths than births and populations will slowly shrink in numbers till complete extinction!
Unless of course we find a way to fabricate children in the lab!!!??
@mcfate No, it is not, Japan has a population decline with too many old people drawing pensions and few births!
China also has eliminated the single child policy for the same reason!
Malthus could only see his period in history when families of 6 or more children were common!
Middle classes in the first world want fewer children and the rich prefer no child!
@Helveticus Synthetic embryos were just created, it's a real possibility.
We live in amazing times. The idea that it may soon be possible for people to have children without the risks and complications of a pregnancy, or the terrors of inherited disease is a bright light, I feel.
@NiveusLepus Yes, I read about these synthetic embryos (non-human since it is prohibited to use actual human sperm)!
But producing kids in a lab brings to mind these terrible scenarios like 1984 where the benefits of mother care unavailable! I will never see it (too old) and I am glad, it would be a nightmare!
@Helveticus
There are way too many people for the planet already. We could use a slowdown.
@GreenCheese True, but remember that goods and jobs (well-paid ones) are not evenly available!
The poorest countries still produce more births of kids who will grow up with deficient services and care, while rich nations are selfishly enjoying the wealth and abundance of their resources!
Yes, Nature has a cruel way of eliminating people through catastrophes like flooding, earthquakes, forest fires, plagues, etc..
It would be extremely cruel to deny those in need access to healthcare and food!
@Helveticus
This is a complete boatload of reverse-Malthusian nonsense.