this post was submitted on 09 Jul 2024
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But without infinite growth how can we feed the capitalistic engine with more souls?
Lol, I'm not far-left but I do love comments like these.
It's important to note that capitalism is far from the only major exploitative system in the world. This said, I'm part of that particular system, and yes... It truly does feel like we're just cogs in an ever-hungry, broken system.
I'm sure that big bad capitalists will be sad of you not having kids and spending all your time and money on movies, games, traveling, ...
What money?
People have children because they want to, not for growth. In a relatively stable society most people don't even have many children...
Access to opportunities and birth control drop birthrates.
Lots and lots of poor countries have large populations because poor parents are hoping many children can work. Also lack of access to birth control and far right groups insisting children are a religious necessity.
"If I didn't have children, who'd take care of me when I get old?"
"If we didn't have children, who'd work for our pensions and keep society running when we retire?"
"I want to live a happy life after I retire, and you (young people) are obliged to provide that."
Real words I heard.
A lot of people have kids mostly for future-proofing themselves.
India: "I need many children to support my everyday life and me when I'm old."
Germany: "wtf are children?"
(A bit exaggerated of course, but should illustrate your point.)
Just think of all them empty mines, sad and alone, only wanting to be filled with the sound of children coughing themselves to death from black lung.