Why do people want to have children?

63 Comments

idk, children are a hassel...

Maybe to carry on their blood line. Children can be a royal pain in the ass but they can also bring you a lot of joy.

That's not a reason. Also, how in the world do you misspell a word like course? Are you like a 10 year old?

gee, i dunno...maybe so humanity doesn't die!?! Some people might actually like the fact that children give a future.

At this point, I don't want to HAVE children so much as I want to give them away. I have the youngest advertised on Ebay right now, if anyone would care to have the link.

I can't figure that out either. I think it's that sexual drive that has been a part of humanity since the sex was the main form of reproduction. I'm not necessarily against reproduction if it is for the betterment of the species. I just wish humans could evolve beyond the need for sex and sexual reproduction. A humanoid with cybernetic implants, quite similar to the Borg from Star Trek, would be ideal. We could just shove kids into maturation chambers for awhile, and they come out as full-grown adults, ready for programming.

Thanks Fred for that favor you did me.

I want kids to raise as my own. I am not sure why, it must be biological. I want to create life. I want to feel the love that I hear about when mothers hold their babies, and I want to teach my children what I know, and to continue my family. I want to play with them, buy them things, and give them the best possible life. I want to discipline them so that they have similiar morals to me. I want to make my mother a grandmother, and continue my jewish tradition... that kind of stuff.

You sound to me like you are going to be a wonderful mother. How are you and your new boyfriend getting along? I hope good.

He turned out to be a freak... I broke it off last week before things got too intimate.... Well, I'm still young... so I can browse for a few more years.

My sister is going threw the same thing she keeps finding guys that turn out to be total losers. Your young you will find your man one of these days. In the mean time happy hunting.

thanks giz :)

Why are kids these days so afraid of commitment? If it's because they are afraid of "accidentally" becoming a baby with a baby,well I guess i find that disappointing,and worthy of giving praise to at the same time. I am a single parent,and it is not as hard as everyone makes it out to be. My so-called friends terrified me during my pregnancy by telling me I'd be spending 200 dollars a month on diapers,and $500 on clothes. When now all i spend is 40 bucks a month on pull-ups and diapers,and only about 50-100 on clothes. It can't possibly cost 15,000 dollars a year to take care of a child,because most people are only making about 25,000 a year,I mean how could you pay your bills? Anyways,I dont think the question is why do people want kids?,it should be why wouldn't you want kids? Don't you think your life would get boring and pointless,if you had no random,out-of-the-ordinary kind of stuff happening everyday? You won't understand the meaning of becoming a parent until you actually become one. People who say they dont want kids,and actually never do,I guarentee will lead a miserable,self-centered,bring everyone around them down kind of existence.good luck with that!

-dirt dobbler

thats not really true... without kids people can focus on career and friends... if they are single there is a hot nightlife scene. There is travelling the world and learning and being religious... There are many things to do that would be difficult if you had kids. I hardly think that you are right in calling them self-centered and a burden..

I wish I had the time to reply to your post. Since I don't, I'll just back up Potato's reply for now, but you can expect a harsh dose of pure logic from me in the future.

@poster

if we don't have kids then life will end.

you don't find that to be a reason?

yea they'd be preoccupied,but usually people get depressed after the party life,and want to settle down,so I was saying when they get older if they dont,they will regret it.

-dirt dobbler

Maybe YOU would, but I know people far older than you who are pretty fucking satisfied with their lives. Its ignorant to assume that because you have a particular goal in life (to spawn at a very young age) every one else who does not want to follow that path is self centered or will experience regret. I have spoken to several parents who fucking regret having children with all their hearts, in fact, my neighbor is one of them.

to this you will probably reply that that is because they are self cenetered or some other baloney like that. But truth be told, they very well might have been happier, and its not doing anyone a favor but yourself when you choose to have kids. Its not exactly altruistic to concieve.

I'm not saying at a young age,I'm saying after someone turns I dunno 35,and they dont have kids I'm sure most people would regret it. It's just a matter of opinion really,I don't like it when people say "I hate kids" or "I'll never have kids",I just don't get that I mean everyone was once themselves a child right? Back to the post, I believe every person has parental instincts,and if they choose to not have children,that's fine,great for them,but if we spawn another generation of 20 something year old non-child bearing,and non-impregnating kids,maybe then I'm wrong,maybe just maybe if we go from 6.6 billion people to 4 billion,it might make the world a better place. There would certainly be alot more room to go around. =)

-dirt dobbler

its not really an opinion if it isn't true.

And being a kid once has nothing to do with wanting a kid. Maybe being a child and knowing what they are like is a deterrent to people who have other plans.

I'm sorry I wasn't really going to respond to that,but an opinion does not have to be entirely accurate,or have means to provide complete certainty,that's why it's called an opinion,it's a personal belief. It's cool though I respect all your sentiments so far.

-dirt dobbler

Okay. First off, what the hell does being afraid of commitment have to do with anything? I can commit myself to whatever I want to commit myself to. It doesn't mean I need to have kids to show that commitment. I would much rather develop my mind than spread my seed needlessly, and waste a lifetime finding an adequate mate, breeding, and raising children. Honestly, I'd rather do something more constructive with my life. The world has far too many people already.

Regardless of what you say, kids are expensive. Perhaps I am possessive when it comes to my money, but why the hell shouldn't I be? I've worked too damn hard for it to waste it on needless things (in my life).

Why wouldn't I want kids?
Here is my top 10 list.

10. Kids are too costly.
9. Kids are too loud.
8. Kids are too messy and unsanitary.
7. Kids attract more kids.
6. I enjoy my life to much as it is to change it.
5. I have far too much potential to be great to let that go to waste by seeking out the family life.
4. Humans are too flawed, in general, to allow me to procreate. Perhaps if humans were more readily willing to evolve into something greater, I would reconsider.
3. There are too many humans already on this planet, so there is simply no reason to add more.
2. I am antisexual, and therefore could never bring myself to breed.
1. I would go insane and kill myself.

I have many more reasons, but those are the main ones. Call me selfish, and you may be right, but I think it's far more selfish to have kids than to not have kids.

Consider this. Your kids never asked for life. It was your own selfish desire to have kids that brought them into this world. How do you know that you bringing them into this world won't cause them great pain? How do you know they won't cause you great pain? The unknown variables in procreating make it such a risky decision that I would be far too reckless if I decided to have children. And you are being reckless by making that decision as well.

So what's better, a miserable self-centered life, or a miserable life where everything is taken from you? And I'm by no means saying that my life is miserable. I am saying it would be miserable if I had to deal with children on a regular basis. And aren't you being a hypocrite by seeking a selfish, happy existence in which you bring unsuspecting beings into a world they never asked to be brought into rather than a miserable existence in which you don't bother anybody? These are just some things for you to ponder. I await your reply.

Uhh wow ok then where do I begin here? well I was just adding onto some of the comments before me about the commitment,and how kids take it so lightly now. I mean if people can't commit to a relationship there's no wonder why nobody wants to have children.

As for your reasoning behind not wanting kids, I too used to feel this way,especially during my teenage years. I didn't know what to say to kids,how to act around them,but I'm getting better. Children can be cruel so I thought why bring another demon into the world? I guess having a child,changed my thought towards children. I am an only child,it was very hard for me,and I do think being around adults all the time has caused me to be the way I am now. As far as finding a "mate",as a child I was attracted to boys,but never interested sexually,I still struggle with men now. However I think it's completely normal for couples to want to have children. I personally like the idea of children having a mommy and a daddy,and having a strong bond through good times and bad.I know,I know what can I say?

I find your top ten reasons not to have children to be very amusing,and surprisingly genuine.

In some aspects you are right,you don't really know if bringing a child into the world is better for you,or your child. For-instance,my son,I wonder about him everyday,and my biggest worry is whether or not he'll be like me when I was a kid. Even in daycare he is a loner,and doesn't seem to act like he's interested in playing with other children. He likes them,but he doesn't understand how to play with them. It might be because he's two,and maybe that's normal I don't know,but I just hope he figures out how to make it through school. I also worry that he might be like his father,and be spoiled,greedy,and show know concern for anyone around him. He could disappoint me,he may let me down,I likewise,but he's still my son,and I will always be his mother.

I do however think something in your life happened to you,and I think you might not have a very close relationship with your parents,and siblings. I think you gave your all in a relationship,and they hurt you so bad they didn't have to stab you in the back,they went ahead and stabbed you in your face. I hope you can recover from the past,and learn to understand to just let come whatever may. Children are natural,sex is natural,humans make mistakes,but children are never mistakes. It is not selfish to have a child,because normally you'd give your all,and even your life for your child. By giving the chance to make a better future for anyone,anywhere from your child being born,or allowing your child to choose their own destiny is by far I think one of the greatest selfless acts one could ever accomplish.

-dirt dobbler

"children are never mistakes."
Yes, they can be, I was myself.

It is not selfish to have a child,because normally you'd give your all,and even your life for your child."
normally... I think you have an idealized way of looking at parent-child relationships. Maybe its the media that paints such a rosy picture of average family life.

"By giving the chance to make a better future for anyone,anywhere from your child being born,or allowing your child to choose their own destiny is by far I think one of the greatest selfless acts one could ever accomplish."
I think having children is not altruistic in and of itself, because giving them the bst possible life is your responsibility. Adopting children is incredibly altruistic because you are assuming responsibility and not creating it.

I know people can suck at being parents that's why i said "normally" people would give their all,but you're right adopting a child would be even better than having your own when it comes to being unselfish. I've often thought if I could afford it,I'd love to adopt a child,and give them a better life. Some people have children for the right reasons,and some don't. I look at this in a religious perspective really so that's why you and me could never agree on this particular subject.

religious perspective?

Ha,this is so great,yea I look at this sort of like children are gifts from God. For example, it's like when you have a kid on christmas,and he opens his presents he may or may not take care of anything he got,while only a handful of kids would take care of what they recieved forever. That's really the basic principles of parenthood,it all depends on the individual,and the choices they make. That's why I don't believe any child is a mistake,because everything happens for a reason,and just because you were not planned,does not neccessarily mean your parents would have been ready to have you even if you were planned,or anyone elses for that matter. When it comes to religion,I could even go as far as saying I believe God knows everything about everyone,every thought,and every choice that anyone could ever think of making. I dont think that people just evolved into genectic reproductions of each other,or something better,or even something that will naturally will be discarded. Everyone has a soul,and everyone is different. So based on my beliefs I would have to say there is no right reason,and there is no wrong reason when it comes to the conception of a child,because it was already going to happen anyway. yea and i know i'm sure you think I sound like a some religious nut,but it just makes sense to me.

That does not answer why you think that people who do not have children are selfish or lead unfullfilling lives.

I realize that you were simply replying to somebody else, but I replied to your reply, and you in turn, replied to my reply, and I'm now replying to your reply. That's the way this site works. It's a series of replies.

RE: Commitment:

I don't take commitment lightly. In fact, after much consideration, I reject it all together, at least in the sense of romantic relationships. I've never been in one, nor will I ever be in one, as I've seen what they can do to people. I also reject breeding in its current standard form.

You say that you were never sexually interested, yet you still had a child. How and where did that change? There's the fundamental difference between us, and the reason I believe your logical processes have been altered and tainted as a result. You bred, you had a child, and then your ideals changed as a result. It doesn't take half a brain to realize the connection. If I avoid such acts, my situation won't end up being as dire as your own. I came to that conclusion long ago.

RE: My family relationships:

As a religious person, how do you get off being so judgmental? You seem to think you know everything about me, yet you know nothing. I have a very close relationship with my mother. I have no relationship with my dad, as he died long ago, but we were close while he was alive. His death was expected and wasn't traumatic. I accepted that reality and moved on with my life. As I stated earlier, I've never been in a romantic relationship. With regards to letting things come as they may; I do that to a large degree. It's in my nature to reject things that could dramatically alter and destroy everything I have worked for in my life. I agree that children are never mistakes though. Children come as the result of the cause and effect relationship that rules the universe. As a sentient being, it is my job to try and predict those cause and effect relationships and decide what is best. Nothing is completely predictable, however, I think I have a good enough grasp on the physics behind the way things work to know what's beneficial for me and those around me and what isn't.

It's obvious that you and I will never agree regarding selflessness and selfishness, but that's fine. You don't understand what I'm saying, and I can accept that. I wish you the best, regardless of our differences of opinion.

For the both of you,forget about being selfish or unselfish,sorry wasn't aiming to make that my biggest debate. It's not about either one,it's about a personal preference. Children may or may not have asked you for life,but how do know you weren't meant to give them life?, and by not you could taking away life that should have been. I'm sure people that don't have kids throughout their entire life can have a meaningful,and happy life,but I think somewhere along the line an instinct for reproduction comes into play.

Perhaps you're right, in the sense that I 'could' be giving life. Every sperm in my body has the potential to be a living human. Every egg you've ever had had that same potential. If everything that could be life was life, there would be no room or resources left on this planet. I decided long ago not to add to that burden by increasing the population.

I let logic dictate my actions, not instinct. If you want to live in such a primitive, instinctive society, then I suppose you accept that rape is an adequate and acceptable means of reproduction, as the desire to rape is fueled by that same primitive instinct that has allowed and even forced the human species to breed sexually for so many years. I like to think that I've evolved beyond the need for such instinct (or at least trained my brain well enough to reject the idea if favour of more logical options).

Guess I can't argue with that,I mean if you've never been sexually attracted to anyone in your entire life as you said you were asexual,I could see why you'd have doubts about being a parent. I for one do not think settling down,and having a family is primitive,I just think it's the right thing to do. I mean it's just something people have done since the dawn of time,and no I don't mean 600 billion years ago,but that's a whole other story. History repeats itself,as it always will,and there is nothing wrong with that. How do you know what the human mind is capable of? What do you base smarts on? What would be the ideal civilization,and how far would someone have to go to be considered unflawed,in your opinion? just curious???

-dirt dobbler

As I said before, it's obvious we will never come to an agreement on the subject.

Now to answer your questions.

Q. How do I know what the mind is capable of?
A. I don't know what the human mind is capable of. I only know, partially, what my own mind is capable of.

Q. What do I base 'smarts' on?
A. I simply follow my own evolutionary, logical, and preprogrammed reactions to the stimuli that bombard my senses on a relatively consistent basis while attempting to reprogram my mind when failure is the result of my reactionary responses. So I guess that is my answer. I believe intelligence is based on the success or failure of the intellectual reactionary outcomes relating to processed stimuli. Personal adaptation is another good example. Predicting the outcome of certain actions, and avoiding what is likely going to cause a great amount of difficulty without an adequate amount of gain and basing your decisions on these logical findings often helps to advance these decision-making skills of an individual.

Q. What is my ideal civilization?
A. My ideal civilization would never exist. My standards are far too high to allow for such a thing. I'll have to make a compromise and give you an example of a less than ideal society that is still far better than what we currently have. First off, sexual reproduction would obviously be eliminated all together. There would be no need for reproduction in the short term, as the older humans died off and the human population reduced to a sustainable level for natural planetary redevelopment. This would give us an adequate time to experiment with extracorporeal reproduction techniques and come up with the best means to reproduce for the betterment of the human race. Next, we would need to begin incorporating technology into the biology of the human being to develop superior abilities. As more and more technology was enhanced to heighten out abilities, we would become less and less dependent on biological functions. We would take the best of both worlds and merge them into one. As this continued to progress, there would be less and less of a need to reproduce altogether, as our lifespan would be nearly eternal. With this would come a superior knowledge of the universe which would lead us to space travel and exploration. We would become masters of the universe and evolve all the inferior biological species' we come in contact with so that they could know what it's like to reach the pinnacle of conscious development. If they didn't comply with superiority, we would enslave them to work in our mining facilities or force them to evolve like us for the betterment of themselves. We would be as close to God as we could be; always striving for pure logic and perfection. That would be ideal and possibly realistic.

That was certainly not expected,incredible vision,although I'm afraid your near-perfect society is not so far away as you'd think. Have you ever read the book Anthem?? it's a good book you should try reading it sometime.

I know I'm probably becoming quite annoying at this point,but I find your point of view very fascinating. Another question if i may? Setting aside the whole evolutionary process,because we can't say for sure whether or not are emotions will change,grow,or deteriorate with time. So my quetion is some people weren't "blessed" with intelligence, so how would you surpass that obstacle in order to achieve the pinnacle of perfection?

-dirt dobbler

No, you aren't annoying me. I enjoy sharing my views. What about them do you find so fascinating?

As I've put forth in my scenario above, people would eventually be fitted with cybernetic implants to avoid any intellectual shortcomings. Obviously, it will take some time to develop this technology, so what shall we do with these people until that time arrives? The first step should be an attempt to educate such individuals while checking for any underlying conditions which may halt the development of their intelligence. Society, no doubt, would need its 'worker bees' to serve its causes, so perhaps they could be fitted into one of those positions which don't require a heightened intellectual capacity. They would obviously be sterilized first so they cannot reproduce and cause another infestation. If all else fails, or the subjects are resistant, perhaps they should be isolated within a different social collective; one which they can develop and operate themselves until sufficient developments are made to reintegrate them into the main social collective.

My favorite book is 1984,so I'm really interested in what the future holds,because to me it seems like were going nowhere. I try to explain this to people,and they don't agree with me. I know things take time to progress,but I mean something's missing,where's the pizazz of the 21st century? The sparkle of technology is lagging perpetually, and even though I know other people have similar advanced ideas I've just never known anyone with your kind of logic.

I was thinking about this today at work(obviously b/c I have no life),and asking other people what they thought about the main subject when it comes to children,and I went even deeper into the subject of what you were talking about. Of course everybody had the same response,what would the world be like without children? I came up with something different though,I thought what would children do without parents? I was thinking along the lines on your thoughts for tomarrow. A parental unit? yes what would we do without them? A good quarter of parents all throughout the world I'd say abuse physically and/or sexually,degrade, or even abandon their children on a daily basis,but what If in the future the world was like what you envisioned? I mean how would life be formed without sex,you can't create life,so what we'd have a place for test tube babies or something? would they all be raised by robots or monks? I just think taking away man's natural desires,and his emotional impulses,would ultimately result in loss of free will,and self expression. Taking away man's way of conception would be a crime against humanity,of course ridding sex would stop rape,but you're forgetting the bond between mother,father and child,and how phenomenal the birthing process truly is.

Ideally, until a sufficient maturation development process could be instantiated, it would likely be best to raise the children in some sort of education and boarding facility run by highly trained professional educators. Because children are often highly emotional and illogical individuals, isolation and individual instruction would be paramount to the success of each child. So perhaps it would be best that the children be in solitary confinement to prevent the development of certain emotional bonds that lead to illogical thinking and insufficient productivity. Each child would be watched through a combination of cameras and one-way mirrors so their development could be recorded. The child would graduate through different levels within the system. Eventually, when the board of educators and directors approved that the child had developed into a physically, mentally, emotionally, and logically superior being, an assessment would be made to determine which employment position would be greatest for society and the individual's success, and an apprenticeship would follow. During the first few years of the apprenticeship, supervision would be paramount. If the student failed at the apprenticeship, the individual would be reassessed and a new occupation would be sought. If necessary, a new child would then be created as the older child graduated and became a part of the main societal collective so the educational system would not be overburdened with an excessive amount of children.

Regarding the removal of such 'natural desires' I believe it is necessary for the development of humanity. I would rather give away certain rights if it's in the best interests for the betterment of humanity. I believe, currently, most people disagree, but I think that could have something to do with the hedonistic tendencies that humans have developed as a result of ancient and modern culture. I believe that if we give a little, we can gain a lot as a result, and I stand by those principles. I don't believe humanity has much time left if it continues the way it's going.

Regarding free-will:

I have never been a believer in free-will. I believe it is causality that results in the outcomes of everything that has happened and will ever happen. Ultimately, we have no say in what will or won't be. We are just along for the ride. Now please don't confuse free-will with personal development, because I do believe that an individual can develop over the span of a lifetime. I just don't believe that the said individual has any real choices in the matter. A lifetime is simply a series of actions and reactions. We react as if we have been preprogrammed. Our programming develops and evolves over the course of our lifetime. For instance, a child doesn't know that a stove is hot. He touches the stove and becomes burned. As a result, his brain is reprogrammed to realize that the stove is hot and unpleasant if touched. I have many more examples if you care to hear them, as I had written a long essay on the theory of determinism in the past. If you look through some of my past posts, you may find bits and pieces of the essay regarding determinism vs. choice or free-will. However, it is far too long to post on this site in its entirety.

what's funny about all this we view free will very differently,I in the religious realm. I'm sure you and I could go on for days with our conflicting notions,and I think it's fun. =)

Determinism is interesting,but I think you are more motivated by human flaw,and how to repair it. Just a thought here,if we were to have a society that you dream of the only thing that's even close is a Totalitarian state,say just one country was like this,doesn't matter which one. Don't you think that over time,mans ability to move forward intellectually would discontinue? I mean if children were raised in an isolated facility,they wouldn't be able to adjust to change,they would just be trapped in a government induced comfort zone,and so would the rest of that country. In order for you to attain more knowledge,and improve life,would we not have to deal with change? So we'll just say this state became an impeccable corporation. Just like other forms of government,the society will fail if balance isn't kept. Every human emotion has to have it's opposite. You can't have pain,without pleasure, or happiness,but no sadness. You can't have hate,but no love. Most importantly in this imaginary,perfect world you couldn't have power,without weakness. I'm sure you don't believe anything of the sort,but as time progressed I wonder what people would look forward to,or if they could even think what more life could bring to them? Since the thought of free will would be out,to be controlled,and not have the ability to choose for yourself,or have any knowledge of the past I think in itself would be ignorant,and the organized society would go astray as a result of it's own arrogance.

Obviously the most difficult part of the societal collective that I have proposed within my posts would be the initialization of such ideas and values into modern society. I have no doubt that there would be some initial resistance if any of this were to take place. People are just too content with what they are to see what they could be.

Totalitarian states rule the world. They always have, and they always will. You can paint it a different colour, and brainwash the people into believing that they have all these rights and freedoms because they aren't decapitated in the streets for doing wrong, but the fact remains the same. My life is controlled by rich white folks. They make the rules that I must follow. They control the media that I am bombarded with on a daily basis. They are in complete control of my life. What I am proposing, even though it has certain elements which are very controlling, will put all humans on the same level and bring us together more than it will separate us.

I don't believe that man's ability to move forward intellectually will ever cease. The universe is huge, and who knows what's beyond this universe. There will always be something new to explore, and something new to learn.

I don't think the isolation factor will be a very big issue. The apprenticeship program that I spoke of was mainly to help with the transition process from the educational facility to the working force and ultimately a place within the societal collective. I think this will be a much greater way to incorporate people into the world, since the expectations of the individual are known long in advance of the individual's emergence into society. Currently, isolated individuals may or may not have a difficult time with the transitional phase into society. If they do, it is mainly because of the high social standards that society has implemented, and how critical the existing society can be towards those who are different. Due to the fact that all humans would have gone through this process, there would be no criticisms or judgments from the existing social collective directed to the individual to make the transition difficult. The system could also be adjusted if this does turn out to be an issue. The children could be sent out on 'individualized field trips' in their areas of interest long in advance of their graduation so that they could get a good idea of what the societal collective is like. They could also be shown videos of what life is like outside the educational facility. This could also be good in the sense that it will make them more devoted to graduation due to the fact that they may desire the outside world. Therefore, they may put in a greater effort to graduate. Suffice it to say, the process could be adapted based on the successes and failures of the program.

I completely agree with you on the balance aspect. That's why deep meditation techniques would be incorporated into the educational process starting at a very young age. This would eventually lead to a state of emotional equilibrium. There would be no love or hate, no happiness or sadness. Such things would be highly discouraged. This is why it would be essential to isolate young children, as they are at that age in which they are most susceptible to emotions. It is also easier to mold and shape their ideas at that age.

I believe that if we shape what the people want and don't want, it would be a nearly failsafe idea, since we are telling the people what they want and then giving it to them. It is a prospect that has worked for millennia. The only problem is that none of the ideas have really led to a highly superior race. We are still stuck on this marble of a planet. The majority of people still spend much of their lives searching for a mate, breeding, and raising children, which ultimately takes away from the development of the human race. I believe that it is time for us to take our evolution into our own hands and progress to a better species while always striving for the betterment of humanity. I don't believe that perfection is attainable, but it is certainly a good goal. There is far too much out there to learn to strive for superfluous things.

Obviously there will be resistance to my ideals, but I don't think those people would have to be a part of our society. They could be transported elsewhere if education failed. Eventually, there would likely be technology in place to reprogram their logical processes so they will understand what is best.

PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE CHILDREN BECAUSE IT SAYS THAT G-D SAID TO ABRAHAM THAT HE SHOULD BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY SO FOLLOW HIS WORD AND GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN

Funny.

WHATS FUNNY

Yes, but fruit trees, unlike humans, seem to know how to produce the proper amount of fruit without making the whole damned tree topple over. We humans haven't gotten that part figured out yet. In fact, at the rate we're going, we're quickly fucking our way into oblivion.

The current world population, as of September 2007, is believed to have reached over 6.6 billion. The world's population is expected to reach over 9 billion by the year 2050. How much longer do you think the planet can comfortably sustain this overgrowth of humans?

I regret to say this as I have children of my own whom I love dearly but at this point, it's very difficult to justify bringing more children into the world, given all of the circumstances involved with carrying for them in addition to the burden on an already overcrowded planet. And the sad truth is that many people have children not because they really want them, but because they feel it's the "natural" thing to do and also, that they will be ostracized if they don't go along with what's supposed to be one of the most important experiences in the whole range of human growth and maturation processes.

It takes a brave person nowadays to stand up the established norms in this area and say, "To hell with it -- I'm talking care of myself and MAYBE a significant other -- but I'm not raising another human for 18 years when it's hard enough just to keep myself in good order." And before anyone jumps on me, I'm NOT suggesting you're a jerk for having kids or wanting to have kids. I'd be quite the hypocrite if I did since I have several of my own. But I AM saying that those who chose not to reproduce should be praised for their choice. It's a brave stance, and one that ultimately will ease the pressure on an overpopulated world with far too many children suffering from starvation, neglect, abuse of all kinds, and just lack of being wanted in the first place.

THE EARTH CAN SUPPORT THE PEOPLE THAT ARE BORN IF NOT THAN THE BEST WILL SURVIVE

The fact that you need to use all caps to make yourself feel more important.

To be fruitful and muliiply is old testament,so people in this present time should use some common sense when it comes to birthing youngins.I don't know if for every death a life is replaced,but alot of people die and are born everyday,and not much can be done about it. People think people are "breeding" carelessly,and bringing another bastardly mouth to feed into the world,in which some are,but people don't have far as many children as they used to. I mean it was crucial for woman to have children in the past centuries,and if they didn't they weren't doing their "jobs". I think our "problem" with the abundance of people is people just wont die anymore,they live much longer,and most babies are healthy,and the mothers don't die at birth. I don't really know what the solution would be to that,but people shouldn't worry so much. We can make more room without cutting down rainforests,and moving mountains.

-dirt dobbler

Quality is better than quantity. Don't you agree?

Well if man wants to continue to be on top of the food chain,not really. Everyone deserves to live,even if they are as dumb as a rock. Who's to say what the ability to progress is measured upon,and how far it can go,or what would be considered primitive. I believe man's mentality has remained constant,though are customs and ways of life have changed,technology does not make us any more smarter,or less barbaric than we were ages ago.

-dirt dobbler

You're contradicting yourself there, no? If humans are so barbaric, why let them live? Wouldn't it be easier and better for everything if humans ceased to exist all together?

I, on the other hand, am the eternal optimist. I believe technology and societal structure can indeed make us less primitive, not to mention make our lives much greater and less painful. All we need to do is embrace the future and reject our past failures.

Hehe you're funny.Humans will always be barbaric in some kind of way,and no I don't think humans should be wiped off the face of the earth. I believe everyone has a purpose,and life is a lesson we must learn through each other,through both mistakes,and achievements. Why would technology make us more intelligent? Technology maybe impressive at times,but what is technology doing? why it's making things easier,right? It's making things more convenient,a little old-fashioned hard work never hurt anyone. So really all that's doing is just causing people to use their brain less,unless of course they design the product. Computers don't make people smart,people help people become smarter.

I don't believe people are generally good. We all have a good nature,and a bad. Some people are satisfied with the right choices,and some people give into temptation,and make the wrong decision. We all have a tendency to steal,to cheat,and lie,rape,or even murder,and we can all develop the desire to actually enjoy doing these things,or ignore them all together,it's implanted in us somehow,someway. As far as our future is concerned,ironically it rests in the hands of our children,who will make those same choices we have to make,and it will be up to them whether or not we cease or prevail.

-dirt dobber

I meant ignore** as in-not even acknowledging the fact that what were doing is wrong when we do something wrong.

I want you to back up your theory that humans will always be barbaric. Again, I'll be the optimist here, and say that humans don't need to be eternally barbaric. The proof is in the fact that not all humans are barbaric. If you base a society on the people who aren't barbaric, while eliminating or isolating the ones who are, you could end up with a society that is no longer barbaric. If you eliminate or isolate all the people who are gentle and sophisticated, you end up with a barbaric society. It's quite simple logic. People are barbaric due to a combination of causality, genetics (also causality), and environment (also causality). Causality is based on variables, though they are not always known. If you eliminate those variables that cause barbarism, you eliminate barbaric people. If you promote sophistication, you end up with a sophisticated society.

Everything that makes humanity great is based on technology. Improvement of the human race is based on the improvement of technology. Technology has been vital in our adaptation to our current form. From the first tools made by man, to our exploration of the galaxy and universe, technology has guided our evolution and adaptation. We would simply be another primitive species of mammal without technology. How the hell can you say that technology hasn't made us any smarter? I can't believe you have the audacity to suggest such a thing. Technology has been the main cause of the great developments that the human race has made. Our ability to develop and utilize technology is the sole reason that we aren't just another form of primate.

Computers have done wonders for the development of my mind, and others. Learning different computer languages and the proper syntax and development of algorithms has multiplied my logical thinking tenfold or more. Again, I can't believe you say that computers can't make people smarter. Obviously computers haven't done for you what they've done for me. Much of my life and career is based on the science of the computer, so I wouldn't expect you to understand.

I highly disagree with your assessment regarding right vs. wrong. I don't generally believe people are good or bad. I think society is what defines what is good or bad and right or wrong, but otherwise, everything is generally neutral. Once again, rape, cheating, murder, etc. depends much on the individual in question, and their genetics, environment, and a combination of other variables. While you are true in saying that we all have these tendencies, some people require a much more drastic change than others. For instance, I would have to have a certain amount of damage done to my brain to accept sex, and a greater amount of brain damage to desire it. I would have to be nearly brain-dead to rape anybody. That is because my brain has already developed. I agree that children are easier to manipulate. We just need to learn how to brainwash children adequately to make the world a greater place.

Now, I'll go back to the subject of technology, regarding our future. If we don't get off this marble of ours eventually, the human race will be destroyed. So, I have to agree with your assessment in saying that the children will outlive us, since we haven't developed the technology to extend our lives a great deal yet. Hopefully, some day, we will be able to rebuild the human anatomy to withstand the corrosive effect that time has on our current human physiology so the development of children will be unnecessary.

I believe that man will always be flawed in some way,and the beauty of those flaws is that life is returned back to a cycle of innocence, which causes a fresh,new beginning in children to shine through. That is why I highly disregard the idea of brainwashing children into elite,little soldiers of your high-pitched fantasy of a supreme,terrestrial sphere.

My main reasoning behind even thinking that we are still in the dark,despite our technology is because anything natural,such as-food,herbs,and chemicals in things like medicines that man touches makes the world more complicated,and deadly.If we can't even make products safe enough to use on an everyday basis, or make food safe enough for ourselves to eat,or come up with a solution to end starvation,or even get along with each other,we are much delayed in progression. Technology builds upon the hostility of man,it came too fast for people to latch on,and use for better potential.

Computers,yea I don't really get how they work entirely,and I don't think that makes me any less of a person. Although I do enjoy using my computer,as I learn new things from the vast information from it's continuously growing data base,but learning the components,and basic construction of a computer or machine is just like a mechanic learning about new parts on a car,or a veterinarian learning a new technique on a knee replacement for a dog,it's just something else to occupy our time with. I say the more you learn, the more you realize, you know very little. In other words,you can't filter out people who choose to commit crime,it's in our nature to rebel. You can't change the patterns of your brain,you maybe able to open the doors to your mind a little bit more,but you can't change what's already there. The human body is fragile,we turn to dust,and become part of the earth when we die,we cannot live forever,we would have to "evolve" into something with a harder external,and our internals could not be fleshly at all.If that were to happen if we were to have a highly,sophisticated universe filled with limitless wisdom,and life,what would be the point of life? What would be the point in structure,and government or any organization if you couldn't go any further?

-dirt dobbler

Yes, you are right. Technology can be used in destructive ways, and it can also be used in constructive ways. It's all based on how we utilize it. My proposal is to make the world a better place based on technology. It will take time, but it can happen. I don't share many of your views, and you don't share many of mine. We will never come to an agreement. When will you realize that?

The fragility of the human body is the reason that I would propose the development of artificial organs and cybernetic implants. Eventually, we would become similar to robots. If my brain could be extracted and placed into a robotic body, that would be ideal. I have no need for humanity in its current form.

I do get it! that we think in complete opposite,but this is fun. =) I think you have a very creative mind filled with futuristic ideas,and I'm sure you will be successful,and help generate better life for the world that is drowning in it's own errors,I too hope to change the world,just with different style.

-dirt dobbler

You're still having fun with this? I often tire of basically saying the same thing over and over again. Excessive redundancy is futile. Perhaps it might be best if we moved on to a different topic.

lol,I concur.

i dont think anyone wants to... they just get drunk and either dont have the cash for an abortion... or cant get an abortion, or dont know if they are pregnant until it's too late.

well this story was interesting until i realized how many freaking comments there were.

adopt a child! i was adopted, if i wasn't my bio parents would have ended my life before i was to be 5..

give life. love a child!

Angel

Paedophiles may want children...

Violent, you can go fornicate yourself you dumb moo. There are people who don't want kids and WILL NOT have any, because of the fact that, well..some people just don't like the little cretins. I think having kids you can't take care of is more selfish than not having kids. I know if I have a kid, I will be an abusive parent who will emotionally scar him or her for life (not to mention be bitter for the rest of my life for having to buy random crap to keep it happy), SO I don't have kids, and I take every precaution not to.

Girl you're an idiot. "We can make more room without cutting down rainforests and moving mountains." Sorry, but if we keep overpopulating the world, things are gonna need to come down. Room will need to be made, and the only room we have left are the stupid-ass rainforests, etc. Reading your comments is making me angrier and angrier by the minute. You religious nutjobs are all the same, you think that people need to reproduce, and that is the only thing sex is made for. Sorry to break it to you honey but not everyone wants babies, and not everyone wants to deal with the drama babies bring with them. Relationships, good relationships, end in a very shitty way when a baby comes into the picture. Childfree relationships can be just as, if not more, beautiful than relationships where the couple have a kid. With children, you're FORCED to stay together "because of teh childdenz". Without children, you WANT to stay together. Nothing is forcing you to stay together. Kids are only a reason for stupid conniving women to keep their boyfriend/husband with them. Have you ever seen Maury, Steve Wilkos, etc? It's proof that kids bring nothing but trouble to a relationship.
Go take your bible and shove it up your cooter.