[Atlas Sneezed]

Folks, if child rearing is so great, people will naturally choose it. Four out of five generally do.

But what is annoying is that the pro-child folks can't be content with their choice. They seem prone to call those who opt not: "selfish", when they are similarly making their own choice of what they want most for themselves for their lives.

And when it comes to self-absorption, one could make a case that generating a mini-replica to carry on one's legacy after you are gone ranks pretty high.

Finally, let's lose the moronic notion that the desire to have children is genetically heritable. The occasional urge not to breed will not be bred out of the race. Anyone who hypothesizes otherwise may start by explaining the ongoing existence of homosexuality throughout human existence.

[Campion]

And when it comes to self-absorption, one could make a case that generating a mini-replica to carry on one's legacy after you are gone ranks pretty high

I doubt very much you're a parent, or you wouldn't make such a ridiculous statement.

A society in which a significant number of people decide that reproduction is "optional," and an "option" they can do without, is doomed. That's not even debatable, unless you like to argue with mathematics. (Hint: mathematics always wins.)

That's why we call it selfish. It is selfish; it's eating your economic seed corn today so you can get good and fat, never mind the fact that there will be nothing to plant in the spring and you will starve next winter.

For a time, a society can artificially prop up its standard of living by refusing to bear, feed, raise and educate the next generation. But that only lasts so long, doesn't it.

Folks, if child rearing is so great, people will naturally choose it. Four out of five generally do.

The fertility rates in Spain, Italy, and Japan are something like 1.2 kids per woman, and going down. You do the math. 2.1 kids per woman is required just to replace the population.

[Antoninus]

Anyone who hypothesizes otherwise may start by explaining the ongoing existence of homosexuality throughout human existence.

Your right about one thing. Sin can not be bred out of humanity.

[MaDeuce]

"Folks, if child rearing is so great, people will naturally choose it. Four out of five generally do.

But what is annoying is that the pro-child folks can't be content with their choice. They seem prone to call those who opt not: "selfish", when they are similarly making their own choice of what they want most for themselves for their lives."

Good point. Also the folks who have kids who like to criticize those who don't you could say they prove the "misery loves company" axiom. ;o)