I
am feeling incredibly reflective and philosophical today. I'm not sure why.
Maybe it's tiredness. Maybe it's because I've been re-reading some of those
Biblical Studies books that I bought earlier this year. Maybe it's my age.
My main subject of reflection has been parenthood and how it has changed me as
a person. I am unrecognisable from the human being that existed before Mathew
was born. I am not even the same guy that I was two years ago. Becoming a dad simply
alters you; and each subsequent child seems to bring about a more monumental
change. I wonder what I would be like if I was to father six or seven offspring?
It causes a bit of a dilemma within me, too, when I apply this possibility to
other people. There are, as I'm sure I've mentioned before, in my opinion, far
too many of us clogging up this planet. It's a great unspoken problem that is
not allowed to be faced and controlled. There are thousands of articles about
'How Are We Going To Feed 10 Billion People?' but very few along the lines of
'Maybe We Shouldn't Let The Population Keep Growing?'. Difficult topic, I know,
but surely controlling the numbers through prevention is better than dealing
with the aftermath of unfettered procreation?
Anyway, my dilemma comes about because of this - I simultaneously believe that
parenthood makes people better, and therefore maybe everyone should be forced
to experience it as soon as possible, while also believing that the best thing
for the planet and our future is to limit the number of pregnancies. Having
more Humans is not a thing to be excited about, and we can, and probably
should, avoid it. Sorry if that makes you uncomfortable, but it is the reason I
have determined that our family will stop at the number it is now - four of us.
Do I have much evidence to back up my lunatic suppositions? Only things I've
seen with my own eyes - people who are parents are less selfish, more caring
generally, more forward-planning, and more open to ideas that are better for
the SOCIETAL WHOLE rather than the INDIVIDUAL. They think long-term benefits;
not short-term gains. The are, simply put, more decent. Better. Because, as I
said at the start of this worrying rant of a posting - parenthood changes you,
and the changes are universally positive.
They have been for me, anyway.
RC 19-10-24
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