What do you say to people without offspring who are pessimistic?

The beginning of man was at a very difficult time. All through history, people have reproduced through starvation, disenfranchisement, war. It is the imperative that God placed in us, and, just as we have conquered other things, we will get around the problems we have now. I don't think people realize what a hellish place this planet would be with not enough people to help sustain the lives of the people already on the planet. Most of climate change is a natural occurrence which has gone on since time immemorial. We can do things to help prevent pollution, absolutely. We cannot change, at least now, and probably never, the total global climate. Hopefully, when they start to do that stuff, it will be on Mars, and we won't have to put up with it. I've talked to enough people and read enough to know that a lot of our efforts at recycling wind up at zero. Some of our trash is in China. Some of it is just in places we don't know about. There have been numerous companies who have been found to not be doing what they're supposed to be doing with all the recycling. We can't put all our hope on what our efforts are. I wouldn't want to live in a world where children were not wanted or welcomed. I dare say if we did our best and asked God for help, we would all be better off.

Fleurpepper, spot on - and so irresponsible too. Our grandchildren can't undo all the damage we've done. Still, there's the ever popular options on GN - of denial, rose-coloured spectacles, nostalgia - and sticking heads in the sand!

Well said @Dickens.

'Let our children deal with the changes'

must say I find this very sad and selfish.

I worry about my grandchildren. It happened in Ukraine and it could happen here too.
I know there’s nothing I can do about the future except hope for better times.

The end is nigh.

Not.

I was able to and did have much loved children. My family being the love of my life.
Would never ever change this. Such love is not something measurable.
Yes the world is changing and has been ongoing since creation. Let our children deal with the changes. Because the world is evolving is a lame excuse not to have children. Have children and love them.

I am child free by choice - not a regret . Those that want but can't re childless. I am concerned about the future for the future generations but don't tell those with children of my fears - they can't stop being a parent.

The obvious conclusion to no one have any children is the human race dying out. Is that what these apparent pessimists want?

Anyway OP, having children and grandchildren is a wonderful thing, sure wouldn’t be without ours!

M0nica

People have been doom saying since time begun. Back in the 1960s people were saying the same things about not having children because it wasn't fair to have children when they were going to be bombed out of life or into terrible illness at any moment.

It was said in the 1930s under the shadow of Hitler and war. Yet life has rolled forward. Once Global warning is dealt with, the doomsayares will find something else to worry about.

True.
Bet you can go back to any period of time, as there were wars,
Famine, plague and so on, and people would be shaking gloomy heads and saying the same.
Impossible at any time in human history to make the near future safe for the next generations.
If everyone thought such doomladen thoughts about procreating the human race would die out.
So OP, I would say that to anyone who moans about the state of the world.

Sorry for the typos, sausages for fingers

"We're Doomed" said in a Scottish accent per Dad's Army Private James Frazier. I don't mind that people want to remain child free, the planet has an ever increasing population and its up to them and all thier reasons are valid. When it's about the planet though, or more precisely the global warming isdue, I do wonder sometimes how much the pessimists do towards helping the fight against global warming. We have been given new cardboard recycling bins with detailed instructions on what should go in each of the three bins. People are still putting wrong things in them, get a warning label then the next time the bins are not emptied. On local FB groups the overwhelming response is...'I'll just stick everything in the black bin then, stuff the council. ". Honestly, if you are of sound mind and able bodied it's not rocket science and it's not the council they are stuffing, it's the planet. Everyone can do a bit even if it's recycling, eating less meat, buying local, buying less plastic and clothing. People shout....'Its personal choice, you can't tell me what to do!' and yes it is. If we aren't part of the solution, are we part of the problem? As for wars, the have been going on for generations and every so often we get some despot wanting to take over the world. We are lining the pockets of countries like China buying their goods and Russia buying their fuel. We take peace for granted, me included and don't see things happening right under our noses. Optimistically, I have great faith in the younger generations, they are more switched on than I was at that age and I believe the tide can be turned by them. I think people are either glass hald full or glass half empty and people can always find reasons to justify either point of view.

We are all the product of millions of generations with successful lives and there will be successes in the next generation too. If you think your life has been worthwhile then pass on your successful genes to the net generation. Life will go on. It is their choices which will make or marr their lives. Let your genes be part of the next successes.

I say they're right

*However, as

I did think twice about having children in the 1990s. However, I as a Christian I believe this life is not all there is. I hoped they would become Christians too and went ahead. One has, the other I am hoping and praying will. I don’t think it was the wrong decision although the world seems worse since then (global warming not dealt with and getting worse, Islamist terrorism, war in Europe, Chinese expansionism).

Whiff

My husband died aged 47 in 2004 from cancer. I was 45 and he made me promise to live the best life I can and I do it's not easy without him but that promise and the others ones I made him mean I can get through each day on my own . He was my other half of myself and haven't been whole since he took his final breath.

There are only two certainties in life we are born and we die. The rest is up to us. To many people die young . And we must live our lives to the full as we only have one life yes it's full of obstacles along the way but I believe what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

So I say to you all live the best life you can. Merry Christmas to you all and get through today the best way you can not matter your circumstances it's only one day. The chocolate box view of Christmas day is a myth. So just do what feels right for you . ❤️🌲🎁🥂🥂🎅

What a lovely, inspiring post. It made me cry, and I’m so sorry for your devastating loss. But thank you for sharing

Can’t stand miserable whingers re bringing children into the world.
“Go forth and multiply!” I cry (If you can afford to). I come from large families and have two myself, but now wish I had ten.
No doom mongers would ever put me off the miracle of new life coming into this imperfect world.

Dizzyribs

You could reverse the question OP and ask “what do you say to people with offspring who are so optimistic”.
However, the world has many more people who have children. The majority of them feel it’s their right to make all kinds of comments and judgments as well as offer un-requested advice about those who are childless throughout their lives.
It’s probably more sensitive and positive to smile and nod, rather than offer yet more in welcome comment.

As someone who has had a child - I'd never question anyone who decided not to have children, and think it quite rude and intrusive to do so. Childfree people do not have to justify their decision.

Neither do I have to justify my decision to have a child. And I do get annoyed with those who tell me that it was selfish on my part to bring new life onto this doomed planet. Either directly, or by implication.

A world where people and nature survive and thrive is entirely possible, though I recognise a sustainable future will be hard work.

My son is at this very moment working with NGOs in Cape Town, SA, in the townships, helping people to create and maintain economically viable small businesses via sustainable sources and, at the same time, giving them opportunities for their creativity in the Arts. He helps to raise funds so that they can showcase their talent, (and there's a lot of it) to a wider audience.

I wish those who are critical would direct their ire towards the world leaders, politicians and other high-profile 'influencers' who oppose the efforts to create a sustainable future, those who deny climate change, etc, because of their own vested interests. It is they who will doom the planet, not the current offspring (nor future generations) who are, generally, far more environmentally aware and grasp the geo-politics involved.

My mother once said to me that given her time again she would not have had children. I was terribly hurt at the time, and reminded her of this when she was older and needed care. She said "I've changed my mind now"! I have three, and two grandchildren, and would not change them for the world. Two of my children don't have children through no fault of their own, so I feel we can't be too harsh in our judgements.

4allweknow, no regrets - but I now believe that we were selfish and incredibly ignorant when we had them - so I do admire those who choose not to.

I'm glad that I've had children and happy that most of my children have had children, and the one that hasn't it was that couple's conscious choice. I'd just want every child to be a wanted, cherished child and that includes unplanned ones as well as those planned. From experience my one semi-unplanned has been nothing but a joyful experience.
I think my response would be that I'm basically an optimist, and have faith in the ingenuity of humankind to find solutions eventually. Life has never been certain for any of our ancestors, I doubt we'll ever get to a point where life is absolutely certain.

DaisyAlice I love your mother's attitude.

👍 🙏

In today's world I would not have children. The mess we have created will not be resolved for a few generations, if ever.