The new smart financial move is walking away

[davelj]

[quote=jpinpb]

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.

[davelj]

[quote=AN][quote=briansd1]I watch my sister-in-law and she lives for her child. Without the child they would be divorced already. The child keeps her busy and out of my brother’s hair so it works out just fine. The child gives her purpose in life.

Sure my brother loves his kid but it was more for her than for him.

BTW, it was supposed to be an “accident”. Sure it was.[/quote]
Two people giving up personal happiness for the happiness and betterment of another person. Sounds pretty selfless to me. When’s the last time you sacrifice your own happiness for the happiness of another?[/quote]

Virtually every act is an act of selfishness in some way, shape or form. Altruism is a myth. When I stroke a check for $1,000 to Smile Train it’s because I derive pleasure from the idea that I’m improving the lives of kids with cleft palates. Yes, I’m helping other folks, but ultimately it’s about me and what I get out of the act.

[davelj]

[quote=AN][quote=briansd1]I watch my sister-in-law and she lives for her child. Without the child they would be divorced already. The child keeps her busy and out of my brother’s hair so it works out just fine. The child gives her purpose in life.

Sure my brother loves his kid but it was more for her than for him.

BTW, it was supposed to be an “accident”. Sure it was.[/quote]
Two people giving up personal happiness for the happiness and betterment of another person. Sounds pretty selfless to me. When’s the last time you sacrifice your own happiness for the happiness of another?[/quote]

Virtually every act is an act of selfishness in some way, shape or form. Altruism is a myth. When I stroke a check for $1,000 to Smile Train it’s because I derive pleasure from the idea that I’m improving the lives of kids with cleft palates. Yes, I’m helping other folks, but ultimately it’s about me and what I get out of the act.

[davelj]

[quote=AN][quote=briansd1]I watch my sister-in-law and she lives for her child. Without the child they would be divorced already. The child keeps her busy and out of my brother’s hair so it works out just fine. The child gives her purpose in life.

Sure my brother loves his kid but it was more for her than for him.

BTW, it was supposed to be an “accident”. Sure it was.[/quote]
Two people giving up personal happiness for the happiness and betterment of another person. Sounds pretty selfless to me. When’s the last time you sacrifice your own happiness for the happiness of another?[/quote]

Virtually every act is an act of selfishness in some way, shape or form. Altruism is a myth. When I stroke a check for $1,000 to Smile Train it’s because I derive pleasure from the idea that I’m improving the lives of kids with cleft palates. Yes, I’m helping other folks, but ultimately it’s about me and what I get out of the act.

[davelj]

[quote=AN][quote=briansd1]I watch my sister-in-law and she lives for her child. Without the child they would be divorced already. The child keeps her busy and out of my brother’s hair so it works out just fine. The child gives her purpose in life.

Sure my brother loves his kid but it was more for her than for him.

BTW, it was supposed to be an “accident”. Sure it was.[/quote]
Two people giving up personal happiness for the happiness and betterment of another person. Sounds pretty selfless to me. When’s the last time you sacrifice your own happiness for the happiness of another?[/quote]

Virtually every act is an act of selfishness in some way, shape or form. Altruism is a myth. When I stroke a check for $1,000 to Smile Train it’s because I derive pleasure from the idea that I’m improving the lives of kids with cleft palates. Yes, I’m helping other folks, but ultimately it’s about me and what I get out of the act.

[davelj]

[quote=AN][quote=briansd1]I watch my sister-in-law and she lives for her child. Without the child they would be divorced already. The child keeps her busy and out of my brother’s hair so it works out just fine. The child gives her purpose in life.

Sure my brother loves his kid but it was more for her than for him.

BTW, it was supposed to be an “accident”. Sure it was.[/quote]
Two people giving up personal happiness for the happiness and betterment of another person. Sounds pretty selfless to me. When’s the last time you sacrifice your own happiness for the happiness of another?[/quote]

Virtually every act is an act of selfishness in some way, shape or form. Altruism is a myth. When I stroke a check for $1,000 to Smile Train it’s because I derive pleasure from the idea that I’m improving the lives of kids with cleft palates. Yes, I’m helping other folks, but ultimately it’s about me and what I get out of the act.

[an]

Davelj, yes I agree that no action is 100% altruistic. However, like most things in life, selfishness and selflessness is not black and white. You giving your time and or money to a charity is more altruistic than if you spend that money/time on yourself. In Brian’s example, the parents could have easily gotten divorced. However, according to Brian, they didn’t because of the kids. Giving up one’s happiness for another happiness is pretty altruistic to me. Not 100% altruistic, but much more altruistic than kicking your kids to the curb and get a divorce.

[an]

Davelj, yes I agree that no action is 100% altruistic. However, like most things in life, selfishness and selflessness is not black and white. You giving your time and or money to a charity is more altruistic than if you spend that money/time on yourself. In Brian’s example, the parents could have easily gotten divorced. However, according to Brian, they didn’t because of the kids. Giving up one’s happiness for another happiness is pretty altruistic to me. Not 100% altruistic, but much more altruistic than kicking your kids to the curb and get a divorce.

[an]

Davelj, yes I agree that no action is 100% altruistic. However, like most things in life, selfishness and selflessness is not black and white. You giving your time and or money to a charity is more altruistic than if you spend that money/time on yourself. In Brian’s example, the parents could have easily gotten divorced. However, according to Brian, they didn’t because of the kids. Giving up one’s happiness for another happiness is pretty altruistic to me. Not 100% altruistic, but much more altruistic than kicking your kids to the curb and get a divorce.

[an]

Davelj, yes I agree that no action is 100% altruistic. However, like most things in life, selfishness and selflessness is not black and white. You giving your time and or money to a charity is more altruistic than if you spend that money/time on yourself. In Brian’s example, the parents could have easily gotten divorced. However, according to Brian, they didn’t because of the kids. Giving up one’s happiness for another happiness is pretty altruistic to me. Not 100% altruistic, but much more altruistic than kicking your kids to the curb and get a divorce.

[an]

Davelj, yes I agree that no action is 100% altruistic. However, like most things in life, selfishness and selflessness is not black and white. You giving your time and or money to a charity is more altruistic than if you spend that money/time on yourself. In Brian’s example, the parents could have easily gotten divorced. However, according to Brian, they didn’t because of the kids. Giving up one’s happiness for another happiness is pretty altruistic to me. Not 100% altruistic, but much more altruistic than kicking your kids to the curb and get a divorce.

[Hobie]

Is this the part were our liberal friends insert the, “It Takes a Village” and all is well argument. 😉

[Hobie]

Is this the part were our liberal friends insert the, “It Takes a Village” and all is well argument. 😉

[Hobie]

Is this the part were our liberal friends insert the, “It Takes a Village” and all is well argument. 😉

[Hobie]

Is this the part were our liberal friends insert the, “It Takes a Village” and all is well argument. 😉

[Author]

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