I find that argument puzzling, because a far more effective way to avoid frustration, hunger, etc., is to simply kill oneself, and yet most of us clearly have no wish to do that. The fact that we're still alive, and (more or less) happy to be alive, shows that we value positive things and not just the avoidance of negative things.
I find that argument puzzling, because a far more effective way to avoid frustration, hunger, etc., is to simply kill oneself, and yet most of us clearly have no wish to do that. The fact that we're still alive, and (more or less) happy to be alive, shows that we value positive things and not just the avoidance of negative things.
At root, the core question is just: "Is life worth it, all things considered?" We shouldn't assume that the answer will be the same for everyone. If someone's answer is "no," then that's really sad (for their sake) to hear. But obviously many of us answer more positively.
On the assumption that attitudes here are to some extent hereditary, it seems a good rule of thumb would be for miserable people to refrain from reproducing, and for people who are happy with their lives to go ahead and have kids (if they want to). I certainly wouldn't want to pressure an anti-natalist to change their personal decisions around reproduction. That's their choice. But I guess I do think it's irresponsible for them to discourage happier people from having kids, just based on their own personal experiences being negative. People vary!
I find that argument puzzling, because a far more effective way to avoid frustration, hunger, etc., is to simply kill oneself, and yet most of us clearly have no wish to do that. The fact that we're still alive, and (more or less) happy to be alive, shows that we value positive things and not just the avoidance of negative things.
At root, the core question is just: "Is life worth it, all things considered?" We shouldn't assume that the answer will be the same for everyone. If someone's answer is "no," then that's really sad (for their sake) to hear. But obviously many of us answer more positively.
On the assumption that attitudes here are to some extent hereditary, it seems a good rule of thumb would be for miserable people to refrain from reproducing, and for people who are happy with their lives to go ahead and have kids (if they want to). I certainly wouldn't want to pressure an anti-natalist to change their personal decisions around reproduction. That's their choice. But I guess I do think it's irresponsible for them to discourage happier people from having kids, just based on their own personal experiences being negative. People vary!