Existence Quote by David Benatar
“Each one of us was harmed by being brought into existence. That harm is not negligible, because the quality of even the best lives is very bad—and considerably worse than most people recognize it to be. Although it is obviously too late to prevent our own existence, it is not too late to prevent the existence of future possible people.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: The Anti‑Natalism Argument, 2006
Existence brings unavoidable suffering; preventing future births reduces overall harm.
In simple terms: Life causes suffering; avoid creating more life.
Key Takeaway
Consider the ethics of procreation.
Themes
ethics
existentialism
anti‑natalism
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- family planning
- policy debates
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
suffering
value of life
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it moral to bring children into the world?
- Can suffering be justified?
A Different Perspective
Suffering is subjective; some find meaning despite pain.
