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I, and many others, hold the expectation that we are quite capable of overcoming our animal instincts (in this, but importantly in many other aspects also) to m

I, and many others, hold the expectation that we are quite capable of overcoming our animal instincts (in this, but importantly in many other aspects also) to make a better world. Especially if the presence of the instinct is used as a pseudo science excuse.

lonelappde 7y ago
What would I want to overcome the core reason for my existence?
- krastanov 7y ago
  Making kids is not even remotely the core reasons that many people have chosen for their existence. And this is not some egoistical selfish decision: there are many more ways in which you can take care of the next generation and make their lives better, without having to give birth. These are noble pursuits independent of gender.
o_p 7y ago
But it will really lead us to a better world? Theres a reason why we have instincts, its so arrogant from the enlightened westerns to think they know better than literally every other society in history. Take it as anecdotal experience, I dont have a study right here and women are free to do whatever they want. But a childless life is much more likely to be a less happier and a unfulfilling life.
- krastanov 7y ago
  Sure, some instincts are good, like gagging at the sight of rotten food. But also, our instincts tell us to eat sugar, be tribalistic, and (for men) to do stupid stuff to impress mates. We are designed to live in caves and chase herbivores. But for millennia we have been doing much more than what our instincts relegate us to. And no, this is not a westerner with a superiority complex thing. See how relatively egalitarian the cultures of various settlers and natives have been throughout history. Lastly, while I understand that for you and many others a childless life would be unfulfilling, please do not assume this to be even nearly universal. Moreover, not having or wanting your own (biological or not) children does not mean you can not help the next generation, through mentorship and teaching and community service.

lonelappde 7y ago

What would I want to overcome the core reason for my existence?

krastanov 7y ago
Making kids is not even remotely the core reasons that many people have chosen for their existence. And this is not some egoistical selfish decision: there are many more ways in which you can take care of the next generation and make their lives better, without having to give birth. These are noble pursuits independent of gender.

o_p 7y ago

But it will really lead us to a better world? Theres a reason why we have instincts, its so arrogant from the enlightened westerns to think they know better than literally every other society in history. Take it as anecdotal experience, I dont have a study right here and women are free to do whatever they want. But a childless life is much more likely to be a less happier and a unfulfilling life.

krastanov 7y ago
Sure, some instincts are good, like gagging at the sight of rotten food. But also, our instincts tell us to eat sugar, be tribalistic, and (for men) to do stupid stuff to impress mates. We are designed to live in caves and chase herbivores. But for millennia we have been doing much more than what our instincts relegate us to. And no, this is not a westerner with a superiority complex thing. See how relatively egalitarian the cultures of various settlers and natives have been throughout history. Lastly, while I understand that for you and many others a childless life would be unfulfilling, please do not assume this to be even nearly universal. Moreover, not having or wanting your own (biological or not) children does not mean you can not help the next generation, through mentorship and teaching and community service.