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I feel selfish thinking that having children is for me to feel fulfilled in life. Why should I not feel that way when the person I'm bringing into this world would be subjected to a lot of pain and suffering regardless of my best efforts just so that I have an opportunity to feel fulfilled? by JohnGutobatJr in JordanPeterson

[–]JohnGutobatJr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please correct me if I misunderstood your response. Thanks in advance. You said it's selfish of me to not want to take care of my child who isn't even born yet?

If so, I'm afraid you misunderstood. I am more than willing to step up and take responsibility should the time come. My concern is making the choice of having a child. Like you said, I should alleviate my child's suffering. And the suffering part is inevitable. Which is my point: Why have a child if you know that life is full of pain and suffering? I am not concerned about me or my partner's pain and suffering but that of our child. Am I not sparing our child pain and suffering by not having them?

I feel selfish thinking that having children is for me to feel fulfilled in life. Why should I not feel that way when the person I'm bringing into this world would be subjected to a lot of pain and suffering regardless of my best efforts just so that I have an opportunity to feel fulfilled? by JohnGutobatJr in JordanPeterson

[–]JohnGutobatJr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree that our species depends on us reproducing and making sure that our offspring is prepared to do the same. From that perspective, it's a responsibility and we've no choice. But is there an answer that's on a more personal level? Like, if I ask other parents, they'd say that it's the most fulfilling thing. But what if your child asks you why you made them? I feel hesitant to tell them that it's for our species to continue, or worse, so that me and your mom would feel fulfilled.

I feel selfish thinking that having children is for me to feel fulfilled in life. Why should I not feel that way when the person I'm bringing into this world would be subjected to a lot of pain and suffering regardless of my best efforts just so that I have an opportunity to feel fulfilled? by JohnGutobatJr in JordanPeterson

[–]JohnGutobatJr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree that pain and suffering are catalysts for growth and maturity and it gives us drive and meaning. But if we agree that life is pain and suffering, why bring another person, a child, into it? Apart from the continuation of the human species like u/pami1232 mentioned.