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Hm. I always think these statements are a bit weird and somewhat trying to hide something else. I don't want children because I really don't want to have child
by Ambroos 9y ago
Hm. I always think these statements are a bit weird and somewhat trying to hide something else.
I don't want children because I really don't want to have children. I think children are a ton of work and I really don't think I'd get enough out of it to make it worth the investment. It's a bit of a rational look at things, but that's how I feel about it too. Being gay complicates the whole process anyway.
I often get weird responses from people if I tell them this, as if I gave them a slap in the face, so I get why people would hide behind the environmentalist point of view.
- nspattak 9y agoI couldn't agree more. IMO, not wanting children for one's personal reasons is perfectly fine, there is no need to make it look like there is a higher noble reason behind it. IMNSHO what is completely unacceptable is having children just because you "have to".
- hycaria 9y agoBut people really rarely ask this noble question to themselves. Why the need for numerous children considering our planet's state ? Isn't one enough and better for the environment ?
- nspattak 9y agoNo it is not. Environmental problems will continue to exist and actually increase even if the earth population was suddenly half by this afternoon. The problem comes from the careless use of technological advancements. Advancements which have given the ability to the otherwise powerless and incapable human beings to destroy their environment ( effectively transforming us to viruses! )
- gnode 9y agoI think a better analogy is bacteria. We healthily carry around about a kilogram of gut bacteria, but far less of some toxin producing strain like Anthrax will kill you.
- usrusr 9y agoNot hiding, because there is a world of a difference between "because of x" and "exclusively because of x". Emphasizing that one argument of many is a defensive act, inspired by the almost universal subtext that parents are somehow better human beings than the childless.
- Ambroos 9y agoOK, I can see that. For me the environmental impact is a nice bonus, but it's never something I'd mention as a reason for not wanting children.
- glaberficken 9y agoI think age, or the stage of life you are at changes the way you think about these things radically. The same way we think we know everything when we are in our teens and the whole "adult" world is clueless. When we are young adults (20 to 35) we tend to think we will never want children, but some people later find that they change their mind. I personally believe you should follow your natural instincts (easier said than done).
- usrusr 9y agoI fully expect life at advanced age to be more fulfilling with children than without. Even complaining that they never return your calls would probably beat asking unpleasant what if questions. But is that really worth adding a multiple of your personal footprint to the problems of all future generations?
- sshine 9y agoI've fluctuated in this way through the decades. Instead of promoting my current stance, I've come to promote not having a single, unchanging factor (convenience or ideological). Having hardcore opinions on anything causes stagnation, so I pick them carefully.