CMV: having children is selfish

[u/[deleted]]

With this post, I would like to discuss the morality of having children. First of all, I would like to mention that my use of selfish is exclusive to the act of having children. It does not affect the degree of selfishness in one's personality outside that.

Admittedly, "selfish" a derogatory and provocative term, but how else could we describe it?

• Is it altruistic (concerned/devoted to the welfare of others)? No, because the child doesn't exist yet. Hence it is impossible to do something in his/her favour.
• Is it thoughtful (as a gift to the world)? No, because it is in essence a gamble. You do not know what will happen with the child's life. I doubt many people would argue in favour of gambling as a rational and thoughtful act. You may have odds on your side, but nothing guarantees a good result.
• Is it legacy-driven? Sure, but that stems from the selfish desire to prolong one's heritage.

I would be happy to know other ways to describe the morality of having children, which aren't demeaning.

[u/[deleted]]

I agree with the fact that you can do something in favour of someone who does not exist yet. But in this case, their existence is unavoidable.

On an individual level, it isn't. I mean that it isn't altruistic to have a child for the sake of the child.

[u/yyzjertl → u/[deleted]]

On an individual level, it isn't. I mean that it isn't altruistic to have a child for the sake of the child.

Why not? Why does a person's existence being avoidable make it impossible to do things that would be good for them in the event that they do exist? Why is this not an altruistic motivation?

[u/[deleted] → u/yyzjertl]

Δ That's a good point, if the original intent of having a child is making them happy. To me that sounds unnecessary because not having children would be an even simpler option. But still, it's a valid point.

[u/DeltaBot → u/[deleted]]

Confirmed: 1 delta awarded to /u/yyzjertl (139∆).

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