As someone who one day wants to be a father and have a family, I'm torn between two "philosophies of reproduction", for lack of a better term.
One is that the world is heading for harder times, and it isn't fair to bring in new innocents to have to experience it.
The other is: when times seem dark, it's important to have people who were raised by wise and caring parents, who can help them mature into people ready to survive in & help fix so many broken systems.
#Cosofam, what do you think?
@GlennS That's what I tend to lean toward, in the end.
@tyote
Tough one, but the world needs the latter...
@HiDadMissYou Very tough... but I end up leaning towards the latter, too.
@tyote I'm also thinking the latter. There are plenty of morons out there reproducing. Just debating it is enough of a sign to me that you'd be a better parent than most.
@Reciprocity I really appreciate that compliment. As far as morons reproducing goes... I live in a small town in a red state, so I get an eye-full of that sadness every day. Part of what gets me to think about stuff like this, ha.
@tyote now that has to be tough. I'm lucky enough to live in a bluish area of a blue state.
@Reciprocity Hope things are a little brighter your way, then. Low education rate + being in one of the areas most heavily affected by the opioid epidemic gives you some pretty grim views of humanity.
@tyote no doubt. Areas like that are in desperate need of good people.
@Reciprocity Amen to that. It's a good way to think about it.
@tyote Honestly went with option 2 (moderately) and do not regret it. One of the kids will certainly recant at some point but has expressed appreciation aloud more than once for being alive or some such. And both are being raised to try to help repair the world with their unique contributions. 🤷♀️💙💛🤞
@finkled Thank you for sharing your experience! That's wonderful. Thinking about one day seeing that appreciation, and knowing they've been given the best I have to offer, is one of the reasons I tend to agree with option 2 as well.
@tyote
"NOTHING is new under the sun". What's important is remembering you raise 'adults ' not children. Provide a reflection of what is good.
@RORos Thank you, that's a great way to put it.
@tyote
If you want a baby and have a partner who also wants a baby, and if you have the emotional resources to adequately nurture a child, listen to your hearts! If not, don’t have a baby! Just investigate your own hearts, don’t worry about “the world.”
@HopeSeeker You're right. It's hard not to worry about them potentially having to suffer more hardships than I have, but everyone's responses make it clear that the love and care of compassionate parents can guard from those woes.
@tyote the latter