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Comment by shiftpgdn | Hacker News Reader

The biggest reality check in my life was working at an engineering firm with a bunch of near retirement baby boomers with no children. They all came across ass listless, unhappy, and living a life with no greater purpose. It was unquestionably one of the ugliest things I have ever seen. As you get older and friends drift and pass away family is one of the most important things in life. I know anti-natalism is hip right now but it makes me sad to think of all the millennials and gen-z who will reach their 50s and 60s when it is too late and be stuck in a life without purpose.

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I think this is dependent on the people. I’ve also seen many couples who couldn’t have kids that have very fulfilling lives. They volunteer, are active in and well liked by the community. I think meaning can come from many places. Kids are an almost guaranteed source but you can find meaning without children if you look for it.

This might just be wishful thinking on my part since I’m unable to have kids, but I’d like to think I’m not destined for a lonely meaningless future.

I had a great uncle and aunt who could not have children. They lived to their mid/late 80s. They were definitely not living a life without meaning. It definitely is possible. I saw it.

All the old but happy people I know have children (and grand children). The more, the happier.

All the grumpy old people I know have no children, or just one.

On a day to day bases, it might feel like taking care of children is plenty stressful, but in the long run it's the ultimate form of joy/happiness.

Maybe it's the other way around? Grumpy people don't fxxc.

You must not live in the US. Statistically speaking anyhow.

https://time.com/4370344/parents-happiness-children-study/

It is super popular to be against the idea that kids will add value in your life. I am not sure Hacker News is the right demographic to understand the value of parenthood.

Most parents would agree that having kids is life changing for the better.

> I am not sure Hacker News is the right demographic to understand the value of parenthood.

I don't know. Seems like I see a comment espousing the joys of parenthood almost every day on here.

Totally agree with you. I noticed that trend as well.

Maybe millennials will retain their friendship and they will be doing stupid tik-toks as 60 years old.

Life has whatever purpose you give to it. That's it.

while true, I think many people struggle to give as deep a purpose to (hiking, being a foodie, knitting) as investing in another person. Not that it isn't possible. Its just a challenge. Not that being a parent isn't a challenge either.

Yes, but is fundamentally true that humans don't really have any other reason for existence than to make more humans. So it makes sense that it's the easy button for manufacturing purpose.

You can work as an obstetrician to the same end.

I don't know if I'd rate that as easy, however. LOL

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