Children Quote by David Benatar
““There is one kind of exception: those who believe that the world is too horrible a place into which to bring children. Such people believe that there happens to be too much bad in the world to make procreation acceptable. That belief must be right. I disagree only in one way with those who advance it. Unlike (most of) them, I think that there could be much less suffering and yet procreation would remain unacceptable.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming into Existence, 1997
The author argues that bringing children into a world with inevitable suffering is morally problematic, even if suffering could be reduced.
In simple terms: Having kids may be wrong because life inevitably includes suffering.
Key Takeaway
Consider the ethics of procreation.
Themes
ethics
existentialism
parenthood
Mood
thoughtful
somber
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- family planning
- policy debates
- personal decisions
- philosophical counseling
Key Concepts
harm
suffering
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it possible to create a life with minimal suffering?
- What responsibilities do prospective parents have?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that potential joy outweighs suffering, which the author does not fully address.
