I don’t have any kids, though for a very long time I desired children. The universe had a say in that. Here I also understand both sides. The world is overpopulated, I agree. HOWEVER, watching my friends and family w/children, I beg to differ on having children as being a selfish act. I think having kids has to be the most selfless act a person can do. It takes your time, energy, money, effort and most important your love. You sacrifice your life to your children. Far from being selfish.
[/quote]
I’m not an environmentalist. Let me say that again: I’m NOT an environmentalist. But… there is no debating the observation that having children is bad for the environment. [We’ve discussed this before: the total pollution engendered by children and their children’s children and so on is horrible for the environment. The “present value” of environmental damage – so to speak – of having a couple of children that reproduce themselves is enormous.] Choosing not to have children has it’s own selfish dimension (as all decisions do). But choosing to have children takes it to a whole different level once environmental issues are taken into consideration. So, although it’s counter-intuitive, I’d argue that having children is far more selfish than not having children when viewed in an environmental context. [Again, not that I care – I could care less if anyone wants to have kids – but let’s at least tally up the environmental damage and assign it properly.]
You state that, “You sacrifice your life to your children.” The operative word being “YOUR.” Sounds pretty selfish to me.
