Posted on 10/20/2017 6:30:07 AM PDT by C19fan
In 2006, I published a book called Better Never to Have Been. I argued that coming into existence is always a serious harm. People should never, under any circumstance, procreate – a position called ‘anti-natalism’. In response, readers wrote letters of appreciation, support and, of course, there was outrage. But I also got this message, which is the most wrenching feedback I have received:
(Excerpt) Read more at aeon.co ...
The question is not whether humans will become extinct, but rather when they will. If the anti-natalist arguments are correct, it would be better, all things being equal, if this happened sooner rather than later for, the sooner it happens, the more suffering and misfortune will be avoided.
I wonder what Jeremy Bentham thinks of what has happened to his philosophy.
This is what a life without God, without hope sounds like.
“I wonder what Jeremy Bentham thinks of what has happened to his philosophy.”
I rather think he would laugh at the absurdity.
Just think of what someone with an ounce of decency could have said to the young person who was “ugly” and ill. Look outside of yourself, look to do good for others. Seek out kindnesses you can do and look at the beauty of the world round you, the miracle of a baby’s smile, a bird’s song. Be glad for every moment. Rejoice in the gifts you have been given not those you do not have and share them with others.
Instead this graceless self centered foolish man said “You are right. It was a crime that you were born.”
I don’t know if the author has explicitly declared himself an atheist/humanist, but that status is pretty obvious in that he has no idea whatsoever of the purpose of his life on earth.
With every heartbeat, God tells us He loves us. He invites us to walk with Him through every day of our life and finally even though we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” we will fear no evil because He is with us (Psalm 23).
How do people live without God.
I have no desire to have children whatsoever, but not for the reasons the author of this rather odd essay lists.
I hope socialists the world over take this article to heart!
Sure...We are here by accident and without purpose.
Imagine how much thought and study and observation of the world around you, it must require to arrive at such a conclusion.
This is simply a cop out to avoid responsibility and justify selfishness.
“Anti-natalism” is self-correcting. Those infected with the tendency will breed (or not breed) themselves out of the gene pool quickly.
“This is simply a cop out to avoid responsibility and justify selfishness.This is simply a cop out to avoid responsibility and justify selfishness.”
Oddly enough, I hear that exact same sentiment from folks, who follow the school of thought that depression doesn’t exist. Once again: “Just a lame excuse for laziness and immaturity.”
It’s really, really easy to judge from a great distance or a great height.
"Be fruitful and multiply."
Just don’t lump me in with those denying depression.
There is no correlation.
Are you in league with the author of this piece, or just happen to agree with him?
I’d love to debate the subject.
Exactly. I pity this man.
A good example: The Shakers were an intelligent, inventive, efficient, and well-disciplined people -- but, they were also "anti-natalists".
Last time I checked, there were only two very elderly Shaker women left alive. That was several years ago; Shakers are most likely extinct by now...
I don’t know the author, I am not “in league” with him, nor do I even agree with him.
I was simply pointing out one thing, and one thing only: that the statement you made sounded a great deal like the ones I’ve heard from folks in the “depression doesn’t exist” school of thought. That was the ONLY statement I was making, and I stick by it.
Not humanist, but anti-humanist.
Life is not only meaningless, it's actually painful to have to endure, and if I rid you of it I'm doing you a favor.
Someone that thinks like this is actually worse than a sociopath...
but you God fearing white folk?....don't bother...
I’m quite sure that he considers his own life precious. Same with that other psychopath, Singer.
VERY familiar with the Shakers. One of their biggest communities was founded near my Dad's home town (Lebanon Springs, NY). Have visited the area many times over the years and seen several Shaker sites, including "Shaker Village". And have read much about them as well.
But I don't think they were "anti-natalists" in the sense this article means....they just felt sex was inherently sinful, even for procreation...not that man was evil.
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