"It concerns something I didn't figure out until I was older, that children are brought into existence w/o their consent.
Now I don't believe this is* (edit: fixed) an evil or unethical act; it's simply an unavoidable facet of reality. However, it creates a debt to children so massive, that it can't be fully repaid in a lifetime."
I wonder, why does "my kid didn't consent to be born" mean "I owe him/her?"
Is the implication that being alive is a bad thing?
> I wonder, why does my kid didn't consent to be born mean I owe him/her?
- From the principle standpoint, the alternatives saddle kids with unearned obligations, that are entirely the result of some adult's choices. This is unethical, while a better perspective is within reach.
- From a practical perspective, there are 2 alternatives (to the principle I espouse):
1) No one owes anyone anything. Good luck newborn. Or...
2) Kids are obligated to repay the debt of their own upbringing ("I raised you so you owe me"). I would hope the obnoxiousness of this thinking would be self-evident. Unfortunately, I've encountered it a lot. I've believed it myself to some degree.
However, I've not seen any evidence that this thinking benefits anyone in a meaningful way. Instead, I've seen it behind countless adults' efforts to belittle and devalue children - as part of misguided attempts to bully kids into some desired behavior.
It's terrible. We need to let it go.
> Is the implication that being alive is a bad thing?
Not at all. Some events are neither fair nor unfair but come with tons of responsibility.
Ultimately the question is who is the best fit to bear that responsibility and to what degree.
Considering all possible scenarios, I think the wisest answer is this: The resources of upbringing should be provided by the parents, in total, unconditionally and in perpetuity.
The implication is you (the parent) get to decide whether the child being alive is a good/bad thing (for the child). It is in your (the parent's) hands, so you better do the right thing and make it good for that person (the child).
"It concerns something I didn't figure out until I was older, that children are brought into existence w/o their consent.
Now I don't believe this is* (edit: fixed) an evil or unethical act; it's simply an unavoidable facet of reality. However, it creates a debt to children so massive, that it can't be fully repaid in a lifetime."
I wonder, why does "my kid didn't consent to be born" mean "I owe him/her?"
Is the implication that being alive is a bad thing?