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For me, there is a profound idea that results from a simple premise: Every single one of my ancestors reproduced before they died. From the dawn of life on Eart

For me, there is a profound idea that results from a simple premise: Every single one of my ancestors reproduced before they died. From the dawn of life on Earth, each generation of my ancestry managed to survive every single thing the world threw at them. Wars, famines, plagues, asteroids, mass-extinctions, climate changes, and so on. When I think about the tenacity of life - particularly that of my ancestors - I feel guilty that I do not have children of my own. It feels downright selfish to say "I'd be more comfortable with my modern dopamine faucet than to raise a new generation", or, "Sorry family tree, this branch just doesn't feel like playing the game anymore".

giantg2 5y ago
I guess the deeper question is why you feel you owe that to them? Would the gift of life from your ancestors be selfish if it was given to you with the assumption that you would pass on their genes? If it's a true gift to you, then they should be happy for you to use it freely in whatever way you choose.
- BitwiseFool 5y ago
  It's hard to say exactly where this sentiment of mine comes from. Culturally, I am influenced by the Eastern philosophical virtue of filial piety. It also doesn't help that my parents, grandparents, and extended family all ask about when I plan to finally have children. You could say that I feel the way I do out of cultural obligation, that certainly plays a role, but it also feels like something I genuinely want for myself by my own desire. Who knows, maybe the degree of desire to have children is itself something genetic and heritable?
Trasmatta 5y ago
You have also had countless family members in your family tree that didn't reproduce. (Not your direct ancestors of course, but their family members.) Choosing not to reproduce is also a perfectly valid and natural choice. Not arguing for whether you should or shouldn't, but the fact that your direct ancestors did shouldn't be the reason that you do.

giantg2 5y ago

I guess the deeper question is why you feel you owe that to them? Would the gift of life from your ancestors be selfish if it was given to you with the assumption that you would pass on their genes? If it's a true gift to you, then they should be happy for you to use it freely in whatever way you choose.

BitwiseFool 5y ago
It's hard to say exactly where this sentiment of mine comes from. Culturally, I am influenced by the Eastern philosophical virtue of filial piety. It also doesn't help that my parents, grandparents, and extended family all ask about when I plan to finally have children. You could say that I feel the way I do out of cultural obligation, that certainly plays a role, but it also feels like something I genuinely want for myself by my own desire. Who knows, maybe the degree of desire to have children is itself something genetic and heritable?

Trasmatta 5y ago

You have also had countless family members in your family tree that didn't reproduce. (Not your direct ancestors of course, but their family members.) Choosing not to reproduce is also a perfectly valid and natural choice. Not arguing for whether you should or shouldn't, but the fact that your direct ancestors did shouldn't be the reason that you do.