Should humans continue to reproduce, and how good must life be in order to justify bringing children into the world? The questions raised by Peter Singer are that simple. I had never thought of that issue before, and there are valid reasons to ask whether we should be the last generation. Are we just harming future generations through overpopulation and the suffering that many people live with every day? The more I consider Peter Singer’s article, the more I realize that I have a totally different point of view. I feel that the continuation of the human race is very important to most people, and that wanting to pass on a part of one’s self to the future has meaning for everyone. We are becoming more environmentally responsible, which will lessen the suffering of future generations, but that is not really the question. The value of life itself is the question.
For generations philosophers have brought up the point that we are just making this world harder to live in and that future children are going to suffer because of how we are harming the planet. Poverty still exists but many of us are alive and well, and prospering today. I believe that people are getting smarter with each coming generation because of what they have learned from the previous generation’s mistakes. Education is expanding in developed nations, so as more people learn, they will find solutions to reduce the suffering of the generations to come. Becoming more environmentally responsible is not that hard, and with a little effort, we can make this world a better place for everyone to live in. I see overpopulation, suffering and the environment as things to work on and improve, not as reasons to end sentient life on our planet. Giving up is the easy way out.
The definition of happiness is different for everyone. Most people want to reproduce so that they can experience the joy of raising a kid. “Loving and being loved is the noblest of meanings for breath.” A blogger, Nate, made that brief statement, but it is full of meaning. If there is no love in this world, what is there to live for? People should step back and think about that for a moment before they suggest that we should end mankind with our generation. The power of love is so strong, and the intense love that parents feel for their child is something that everyone should be able to experience. Children bring joy to the world and motivate us to do better. Love should drive everyone to want to help the planet and keep mankind reproducing for generations to come; fear of the future is nothing new and should not control us.
People are entitled to their own opinions, and if they feel that having children is not responsible or necessary to ensure their happiness in life, then they shouldn’t reproduce. However, as Rosemary from New York commented, “If you think that you can share the joy and pain of life with another individual and mentor them as they begin their journey, then you should have a child.” I think that is a very honest statement, but I do feel that couples should think before they decide to have kids. If a couple is already struggling to live a happy life, or they don’t want to bring up a child in a poor household, that may be the smart choice. It would be ideal if everyone could be financially stable before considering taking on the lifetime duty of being a parent. Before having children, people should try to make sure that that their children will have a chance to have the best life possible. The fact that a child is likely to have a good life is a reason for bringing that child into existence. Love and joy are enough reason to live; the fact that some people will suffer is not reason enough to end it all.
Everyone is human, and every life has its ups and downs, but life is definitely worth living. Everyone should be optimistic and encourage each other to find happiness in life, and this is the attitude that should be passed on to future generations.
Good move to admit the validity of his argument.
ReplyDeleteWhat would count as "financially stable"?
Overall, these are the normal responses to his proposals. This wouldn't get any traffic because it seems the most natural response. You need to push through and get to a place that deeply analyzes what he's saying and makes rhetoric moves that shows exceptions, qualifications, divisions. Maybe a CA.
Your main point is that people should be careful and think before having children. But in many parts of the world access to contraceptives is not as easy as it is in the first world. There are also religious concerns -- "be fruitful and multiply."
You should strike at the heart of Singer's argument -- that the balance of pain and happiness should cause us to consider not bringing children into the world.