Matus1976 - Ethics
Selfish Reasons for Having Children
As a person interested in the philosophy of objectivism, I am amazed at the plethora of anti-children sentiments that abound in it, and among modern 'secular educated' adults. Usually, people feel themselves too selfish to have children, not wanting to sacrifice the time and attention required for raising a child well. On one forum, one responder went so far as to suggest a Ferrari is a better investment than child rearing, being of similar costs. Additionally often those making these sentiments revert to championing the virtues of dog ownership, as happened in the thread I participated in which spawned this post. One can not help but wonder that what drives someone to want a dog, but not a child, is rooted in the difference between the two. Could it be a that a dog perpetually remains loyal, obedient, and socially demanding (they are genetically social herd animals) while when raising a child a parent must contend with an individual intellect that could disagree and have countering opinions? ... Here are a few selfish reasons I would like to have children - (see more)
Letter to Eliezer
Thank you for your words, and I am sorry for the tragic event which has brought them out.
You have captured what makes me an extropian and I think you capture the motivating principle behind each of us here. We love life, and we want to live it. Whatever we all may disagree on, it is only the means to achieve this end. We love life, and we hate its cessation. There is no greater horror or travesty of justice than the death of someone. All the intricacies of the universe can not compare to the beauty and value of a single sentient being. I have seen enough death of friends and loved ones myself. Everyone who will listen I try to convince them to be cryogenically suspended, on the premise that they want to live. But most grope for excuses not to, disguising their disregard for their own existence with appeals to mysticism or dystopian futures.
All ideologies prescribe these self delusional condolences and practices, it can be no more clear than what Adrian said: a terror so deep and profound that most people can't even acknowledge it, but just go ever so slowly insane trying to deal with it. (see more)
Links on Ethics
My Ethics links on del.icio.us
http://del.icio.us/matus1976/ethics
