Having children in a “doomed” world | Christine Emba

Summary

The video explores the ethical dilemma of having children in today's world, particularly in light of climate change and societal challenges. While some fear the future due to issues like political instability and environmental degradation, the script argues that life is improving overall, with technological advancements and better human rights. It suggests that having children is not only an investment in society but a hopeful statement about the potential for change. Philosophically, the concept of 'natality' is introduced, emphasizing the transformative potential of new life and the possibilities for a better future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ethical debate about having children has grown in modern times, especially in light of climate change and societal challenges.
• 😀 In the past, having children was the societal default, but today, non-parenthood is increasingly seen as a valid choice.
• 😀 There's a growing fear that bringing new people into the world could worsen environmental and political issues, but this is a pessimistic view.
• 😀 The speaker argues that having children could contribute positively to society, rather than simply perpetuating environmental decline.
• 😀 Economic risks arise from low birth rates, as children are necessary to sustain systems like Social Security and provide future caretakers for the elderly.
• 😀 Countries like Japan and South Korea, with falling birth rates, are already facing the negative consequences of demographic shifts, where the elderly outnumber the young.
• 😀 While the speaker acknowledges these economic concerns, they caution against having children purely for financial or caretaker reasons.
• 😀 Having children can be an investment in society, cultivating a deeper sense of responsibility and connection to the future.
• 😀 The decision to have children is often intertwined with questions of hope for the future, rather than just concerns about the present state of the world.
• 😀 Despite widespread pessimism, the world has seen substantial improvements in quality of life, such as longer life expectancies and social progress.
• 😀 The philosopher Hannah Arendt's concept of 'natality' suggests that birth represents the potential for change, making the future better through new generations.
• 😀 Change is not always easy to imagine, but history has shown that human society can improve, even in the face of challenges like climate change and political instability.

Q & A

Why is the idea of having children considered controversial in today's society?

In today's society, having children is often questioned due to concerns about climate change, political instability, and the overall future of the planet. The fear of bringing a child into a world facing environmental degradation and societal challenges leads some to reconsider the ethics of having children.

How did societal views on having children differ in the past?

In the past, having children was the default societal expectation. Not having children was often viewed negatively, and it was assumed that everyone would have children as part of the natural order of life.

What role does climate change play in people's decision to have children?

Climate change contributes to a sense of fatalism and fear about the future. Some worry that having children in the face of a deteriorating environment may not be ethical, as it could bring new generations into a world facing significant environmental crises.

What economic risks are associated with having fewer children?

One of the economic risks of having fewer children is the potential strain on social systems like Social Security. A declining population means fewer people are contributing to these systems, which could lead to issues for future generations, such as a lack of funds for retirement or elder care.

Why does the speaker argue that having children is about more than just economic reasons?

The speaker argues that having children is not just about economic factors, like ensuring Social Security payments, but also about creating a stake in society. Having children can foster a deeper connection to the world, making people more invested in the future and in improving society.

How do children contribute to society beyond financial support?

Children contribute to society by being an emotional and social investment in the future. They symbolize hope, change, and the potential for societal improvement. Parents with children are often more engaged in working toward a better future for the next generation.

What underlying question do people ask when debating whether to have children in today's world?

The real question people are asking is not about children themselves, but whether there is hope for the future. They are questioning whether the world is heading toward an irreversible decline due to climate change, political strife, or other societal issues.

What evidence does the speaker provide to counter the idea that the human condition is in decline?

The speaker provides historical evidence showing that life is actually improving. For example, the average lifespan has increased dramatically from around 30 years before 1800 to over 70 years today. Additionally, voices that were once marginalized are now being heard, and technological advances continue to shape the future positively.

What is Fredric Jameson's perspective on the future and how does it relate to the script's themes?

Fredric Jameson is quoted as saying, 'It's easier to believe in the end of the world than the end of capitalism.' This perspective ties into the theme of the script, which emphasizes that it’s often easier for people to imagine a world falling apart than to envision positive change or improvements in society and the environment.

How does the philosopher Hannah Arendt’s concept of 'natality' relate to the idea of having children?

Hannah Arendt’s concept of 'natality' refers to the potential for change that comes with the birth of a new person. It suggests that each new life has the possibility to upend the current order and improve the world, making the act of having children a symbol of hope and an investment in a better future.