The Unpopularity of Children

Babies might be the most dreaded demographic on the planet

Here are a few examples of the messaging about children currently blazing through society:

Whether it’s because they pollute the planet, steal your sleep, or cost too much, kids are on the skids.

But there is other messaging about children circulating:

“Here’s the secret: Talking about the joys of parenthood isn’t just some slick spin to get people to produce more human capital. No, it’s the truth. There is no higher joy, no greater euphoria, no more thrilling or exalted accomplishment than bringing a unique soul, all their own, into the world and orienting them toward virtue.”

—Bethany Mandel

"Parenting is a grand adventure, a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the pure joy of witnessing a little soul blossom into its unique brilliance."

— Sarah Ban Breathnach

“A baby is an inestimable blessing.” —Mark Twain

"The best part about being a parent is the moment you realize you wouldn't want your life any other way." — John Wooden

Isn’t it just kind of obvious which side of this argument wins? When you see a black sign that says, “Stop Having Kids,” doesn’t that give you the kind of creeps you’d get if the Grim Reaper moved in next door?

But when someone says, “Having children was my greatest achievement,” doesn’t it seem like something right and good and beautiful is blossoming in your soul?

Elon Musk recently tweeted: “Having children is saving the world.”

I think he’s right for about a hundred reasons. And it’s having children that makes the world worth saving at all.