Year after year, it’s clear that birth rates are dropping significantly. There are many reasons for this decline. Some reasons are more theoretical, like the idea of caring for the planet, which suggests that not having children can be seen as a responsible and selfless choice. Others are more practical, such as the loss of community support, leaving parents feeling isolated.
Olivier Rey, a philosopher, believes that this decline in births might reflect a deeper issue within society. He questions whether having children restricts parents’ freedom. However, he argues that what people often think of as freedom is actually a complete attachment to a consumer lifestyle. In this context, having a child competes with all the other things people want to buy and enjoy. Children require time and money, which can make them seem like just another consumer product, and the thought of pregnancy can feel overwhelming.
Despite the serious reasons people have for not wanting to have children, Rey argues that there are equally important reasons to consider having them. He references a quote from the writer Péguy, who said that being a parent is one of the greatest adventures in life. Unlike other adventures that may seem risky, the journey of parenthood is filled with challenges that can be beyond what we think we can handle.
This adventure, while difficult, is also essential and beautiful. Rey believes that children bring their own purpose into the world, and their existence is meaningful.
This article has been translated and simplified by artificial intelligence from a French article “Dé-fécondité. Ses raisons, sa déraison – Olivier Rey”
It may therefore contain errors. The French version is the reference version..