--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The desideratum of the philosophy “better…" description: "\"“The desideratum of the philosophy “better to have never been” is parents being charged with manslaughter for bringing children into the world”\" — Dean..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/064/dean-cavanagh-3359_children_the-desideratum-of-the-philosophy-better_2503970.png" --- # The desideratum of the philosophy “better to have never… ![“The desideratum of the philosophy “better to have never been” is parents being charged with manslaughter for bringing children into the world” quote by Dean Cavanagh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/064/dean-cavanagh-3359_children_the-desideratum-of-the-philosophy-better_2503970.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/064/dean-cavanagh-3359_children_the-desideratum-of-the-philosophy-better_2503970.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/064/dean-cavanagh-3359_children_the-desideratum-of-the-philosophy-better_2503970.png) > ““The desideratum of the philosophy “better to have never been” is parents being charged with manslaughter for bringing children into the world”” [Dean Cavanagh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-cavanagh/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote suggests that bringing children into existence is morally equivalent to manslaughter, implying a philosophical stance that non‑existence is preferable. **In simple terms:** Having children is likened to a crime. Key Takeaway Question the ethics of procreation. Themes philosophy ethics existentialism Mood provocative serious Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - Debates on population - family planning - legal theory - bioethics Key Concepts Moral responsibility value of life nihilism Questions to Reflect On - Is it possible to balance personal freedom with societal impact? - How do cultural values shape this view? A Different Perspective The argument may overlook personal joy and societal contributions of children. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Existence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/existence/) [Manslaughter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/manslaughter/) [Parenting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parenting/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Procreation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/procreation/) ## Related quotes > [Fun fact: if you tell someone to kill themselves it's considered encouraging suicide and you can get a fine of $25,000 and 10+ years…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ash-phillips/fun-fact-if-you-tell-someone-to-kill-themselves-it-s-considered/) Ash Phillips > [Yes, I have a philosophy, and you have to come with good arguments to change that philosophy, but, if someone has a better argument…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louis-van-gaal/yes-i-have-a-philosophy-and-you-have-to-come-with-good-arguments-to/) [Louis van Gaal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louis-van-gaal/) > [While I personally believe strongly in the philosophy and ideology of the Free Software movement, you can't win people over just on philosophy; you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-mullenweg/while-i-personally-believe-strongly-in-the-philosophy-and-ideology-of/) [Matt Mullenweg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-mullenweg/) > [As I look back on it now, it's obvious that studying history and philosophy was much better preparation for the stock market than, say,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-lynch/as-i-look-back-on-it-now-it-s-obvious-that-studying-history-and/) [Peter Lynch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-lynch/) > [My philosophy is that it's better to explore life and make mistakes than to play it safe and not to explore at all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophia-loren/my-philosophy-is-that-it-s-better-to-explore-life-and-make-mistakes/) [Sophia Loren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophia-loren/) > [“I am a misanthrope, but exceedingly benevolent; I am very cranky, and am a super-idealist. ... 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