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Thread: Birth rate decline: Good or bad?

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    Senior Member catherine's Avatar
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    Birth rate decline: Good or bad?

    I just finished reading an article in the Atlantic Daily newsletter: The Real Reason People Aren't Having Kids.
    https://www.theatlantic.com/family/a...Atlantic+Daily

    I'm not sure you're going to be able to read it, but essentially, it says that while people are focusing on the economic reasons for the increasing numbers ofpeople who are choosing not to have children, the underlying factor may simply be that they find no meaning in it.

    That need is for meaning. In trying to solve the fertility puzzle, thinkers have cited people’s concerns over finances, climate change, political instability, or even potential war. But in listening closely to people’s stories, I’ve detected a broader thread of uncertainty—about the value of life and a reason for being. Many in the current generation of young adults don’t seem totally convinced of their own purpose or the purpose of humanity at large, let alone that of a child. It may be that for many people, absent a clear sense of meaning, the perceived challenges of having children outweigh any subsidy the government might offer.

    First question: What do you guys think about this hypothesis that the lowering birth rate is because people find lack of meaning in having children and perhaps even in their own lives?

    Second question is:
    Many people believe that birth rate decline is a crisis because there won't be enough workers to cover the nation's economic/workforce needs
    Many people believe that birth rate increase is a crisis becuase the more the population rises, the faster the Earth will be plundered--the Malthusian approach.

    Then there's my permaculture teacher, who believes that the size of the population is not the primary issue--it's the rate of consumption that's the issue--the Daniel Quinn "leavers and takers" approach. Our individual footprints are too large, and that's what we have to reduce.

    Which "crisis" is the biggest one: the deline of population, the increase of population, or the rampant overshoot of our ecological footprints?
    "Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it--every, every minute?" Emily Webb, Our Town
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    Why can't it be both?

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    Senior Member catherine's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ToomuchStuff View Post
    Why can't it be both?
    I guess because prioritizing the bigger issue will prioritize the solution.
    "Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it--every, every minute?" Emily Webb, Our Town
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    Senior Member iris lilies's Avatar
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    About finding meaning: the Harvard professor of “ happiness” says tech devices engage our part of the brain that does not, for lack of my better explanation, appreciate human connection and validation. This is why so many young people apparently are having trouble finding meaning in their lives.

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    Senior Member catherine's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by iris lilies View Post
    About finding meaning: the Harvard professor of “ happiness” says tech devices engage our part of the brain that does not, for lack of my better explanation, appreciate human connection and validation. This is why so many young people apparently are having trouble finding meaning in their lives.
    Interesting. Is that Harvard professor Martin Seligman? Just curious. I think social media may be part of it--I also think it's the drive for "meaningful" experiences, whether or not they may prove to be meaningful.
    "Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it--every, every minute?" Emily Webb, Our Town
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    Senior Member iris lilies's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by catherine View Post
    Interesting. Is that Harvard professor Martin Seligman? Just curious. I think social media may be part of it--I also think it's the drive for "meaningful" experiences, whether or not they may prove to be meaningful.
    It is Dr. Albert Brooks.

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    Senior Member catherine's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by iris lilies View Post
    It is Dr. Albert Brooks.
    Thanks. I'll look him up.
    "Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it--every, every minute?" Emily Webb, Our Town
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    Senior Member Rogar's Avatar
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    It sometimes seems like a catch 22. The smaller the family size, the more spendable incomes people have to consume. Between AI and immigration I think there will be plenty of people to fill the work force.

    I would lean towards saying the problem is gross consumption regardless of population size.
    "what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Mary Oliver

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    Senior Member iris lilies's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by catherine View Post
    Thanks. I'll look him up.

    NO wait: it is Arthur Brooks.

    I heard him yesterday on Dr. Delony’s podcast. Brooks also had interesting things to say about sociologists and their basic assumptions going into research.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GHAKqYwN9cQ

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    Senior Member catherine's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by iris lilies View Post
    NO wait: it is Arthur Brooks.

    I heard him yesterday on Dr. Delony’s podcast. Brooks also had interesting things to say about sociologists and their basic assumptions going into research.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GHAKqYwN9cQ
    Thanks! is that the Dave Ramsey Dr. Delony?? Anyway, it looks like a great episode for me to watch since I'll be married 50 years in a little over 2 years.

    I know I've read Arthur Brooks but I can't remember where or when or why, but I just looked him up and I love this idea of the reverse bucket list.

    https://youtu.be/vGBVf1wwAj0

    Thanks for posting the Delony video. I'll definitely watch this week although I hope I've learned everything I need to for a sustainable relationship. I could probably do my own podcast on that.
    "Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it--every, every minute?" Emily Webb, Our Town
    www.silententry.wordpress.com

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