[Closed] Are you glad you were born?

Attention seeker in seeking attention shocker...

Saw that earlier. Nuts!

Apparently the number of late teens saying life has no purpose has doubled in last few years.

Me I'm glad I was born, I'm not always sure I feel the same about everyone else but that's a very different philosophical question!

A very good friend of mine always says that if there were a button he could press and it would mean he had never existed then he would press it. He's unwavering on that.

Glad I was born. Tired of it all now though.

#1 - don’t be a dick

Really?? Children born into conflict, famine or worse. ...get a grip!

I ask, because this guy is suing his parents for bringing him into the world – which I find inconceivable?

No it's the fact that he was conceived that's the problem.

IGMC

Some people just don’t feel they fit in, that’s understandable given the preconditions humans are handed and expected to live by.

Its crossed my mind on more than one occasion, pushing “that” button.

As for suing Parents? It’s a difficult one to quantify given each individual circumstance is indeed individual.

"created without his consent"

This world is stuffed

Are his parents allowed to go back on their mistake without legal repercussions?

His parents should do some post-natal family planning.

His parents should do some post-natal family planning.

Is that with the most modern technology epicyclo? A flintlock as opposed to a matchlock musket.😏

As opposed to what? Grown in a vat? Don't actually remember that far back, but I'm not sure it matters really.

So if the actual question is 'am I glad I'm here?' that's easier to answer: no. I'm on a train to London ffs, and would much rather be waking up in my bed.

If the real question is 'am I glad I exist generally?', this hinges on what I mean by 'I': me today? Tomorrow? Twenty years ago? Can't change that, and can't change that I won't exist in 50 years time. But yeah, happy enough to have had a little proddle about. We're bloody mayflies, as Alan Clarke railled somewhere towards the end of his diaries.

Anyway, I'd say the guy suing his parents is doing that as the person he is now, and it's not his parents' fault he's that person. Case dismissed.

It's in my nature to want to exist, and to continue to exist, otherwise I'd just curl up and die in a corner somewhere.

If I'd never existed though, I wouldn't give a crap as... I wouldn't exist.

Avdave2's mate's button is actually quite an interesting proposition. If I don't push it, I'll continue to experience life, be it good or bad. For a while, at least. If I do push it, I won't exist, so I won't be around to care.

After getting a puncture on the commute this morning, which I fixed, then my pump died while I was trying to get air in the tyre, no, I'm rather pissed off to be alive. How my life turned out so shitty this morning is no fault of my parents though. They certainly wanted better for me. The past 40odd years of shite has been all my own fault.
OP's bloke needs a few good, hard slaps.

Antinatalist!!

Apparently the number of late teens saying life has no purpose has doubled in last few years.

I'm really not surprised, we get that a bit from our Teen.

It's probably a bit lazy to blame social media, my parents blames my NES and my Grand Parents blamed the TV and my Great Grand Parents Blamed the Radio (No doubt) but this generation seems to have it pretty tough when it comes to that crushing point in your young life when you come to terms with the fact that you're 'just' a normal person.

Yes I’m glad I was born. I’m so glad I can’t properly put it into words. I have a massive problem with knowing I won’t be here forever; my earliest memory is a full on tantrum when my dad told me that everyone eventually dies.

That we live then die has never made me wish I’d never lived. That’s just daft. Yes things could often be better, but being alive is the absolute pinnacle for me - I love it.

I don’t like having asthma though!

“I love my parents,” he writes on Facebook, “and we have a great relationship, but they had me for their joy and their pleasure.”

OP’s bloke needs a few good, hard slaps.

Couldn't agree more. "joy and pleasure" maybe, generally people have children because, despite what we think, we're not in charge of our mind, or mind is in charge of us and it's hardwired to reproduce. Having children is great at times, but for the most part you give up a lot of "joy and pleasure" to give to them.

A very good friend of mine always says that if there were a button he could press and it would mean he had never existed then he would press it. He’s unwavering on that.

Very much this.

A very good friend of mine always says that if there were a button he could press and it would mean he had never existed then he would press it. He’s unwavering on that.

That would be useful. I wouldn't press it now, but maybe later in life when I'm old, knackered and useless. Probably when I can't wipe my own backside anymore.

^^^ mildred pretty much sums it up for me. I've never, ever, not wanted to be alive.

I might sue my parents for the random combination of genes that has made me short and bald though, the b*stards. I specifically asked to be tall, dark and handsome 🙂

this is all well and good from a philosophical perspective, but what does he hope to achieve my suing his parents? what redress can be given?

I had a new pair of socks on this morning, so today is a good day to be alive.

Surely procreation is our main basic purpose as a species, to further our DNA? At the most basic level we're doing the same as all the other species on the planet, only they don't put some higher meaning behind it like we try to.

Are you glad you were born?

i never realised there was a pre birth opt out option

Apparently the number of late teens saying life has no purpose has doubled in last few years.

Fair enough. There is no purpose.
it can however be a lot of fun.
shame so many kids these days struggle with that.

Hell yes I'm glad I was born. Life isn't always a bed of roses, but I feel very sorry for anyone who wouldn't answer the same way after a bit of reflection.

what redress can be given?

The right to die? If he takes them to the the cleaners financially, would he avoid inheritance tax?

Sam Harris podcast in which he has a guy on who argues for the anti-natalist position.

Every interaction is an opportunity for me to demonstrate what I can achieve, and if I wasn't alive then I'd have no interactions. I LOVE being alive! Laaaaaaahhhhh

I'm pretty apathetic about being alive, I've no desire to have kids and can't say I do anything beneficial for society other than paying taxes so don't really have a purpose in life as such. I know I have an easier life than a lot of people so not complaining, it just all seems a bit pointless without any real goals and the thought of growing old and decrepit (assuming I don't die early :p ) isn't much to look forward to.

I admire the people that try to live each day like it's their last but I'd be broke and homeless in a week if I did that. I haven't yet found a hobby/interest that I care about enough to want to do it regularly.

50:50

and today/this week/this month* is a good time

*delete as appropriate

My in-laws would tell the story of good friends that they had in 60s.
They decided to not have any children as they truly believed a nuclear war was coming.
In later years they regretted this choice and adopted two children.

"There's nowt so queer as folk"

Had a bit of angst as a teen that carried through into twenties, so wasn't glad then, life has a lot more meaning now I have kids (toddler and newborn) of my own to look after.

A very good friend of mine always says that if there were a button he could press and it would mean he had never existed then he would press it. He’s unwavering on that.

There are many simple ways to achieve something very similar to that.

I'm pretty happy to be alive and also happy about the period I have lived through (even though that means I'm getting close to the end of my allotted span). I do think as a child and an adolescent I had things much easier that today's kids. We had fewer gadgets but I had a bike and very little pressure to perform. I shall be retiring soon. I won't be exactly well off but I've got a roof over my head, should be able to put food on the table and spend more time on my, fairly inexpensive, hobbies.

It's OK I suppose but I wouldn't have felt disappointed if I'd not been born.

if there were a button he could press and it would mean he had never existed then he would press it.

Big difference between that and topping yourself (as outofbreath appears to suggest) - all the things you've done in your life wouldn't exist either... too big to think about (and too silly)... but at least you wouldn't leave any grieving family.

Big difference between that and topping yourself (as outofbreath appears to suggest) – all the things you’ve done in your life wouldn’t exist either…

I was thinking it was a pretty good approximation but good point - Topping yourself doesn't erase anything bad that you've done and could leave a grieving family.

we’re not in charge of our mind, or mind is in charge of us and it’s hardwired to reproduce.

Erm, I counter that by saying You are totally in charge of your mind and your actions. You aren’t a Puppet.

And we’re not hard wired to reproduce either. Otherwise those that choose to not have children (me) would be unable to choose not too.

That logic has had plenty of research and tomes written about this subject, and plenty of evidence to suggest the human mind is individual and there are no pre-existing conditions other than breathing and functioning to support itself from birth. Thereafter it is subject to social conditioning and it’s own reasoning decisions.

And we’re not hard wired to reproduce either. Otherwise those that choose to not have children (me) would be unable to choose not too.

eh?
As a male who's shagged more women (more frequently) than most that choice was not always my own.
I'm hardwired to ****.
it's one of the few things i'm naturally good at.

It's rare, but some things make me so wish I was born female.

#1 – don’t be a dick

I'm definitely gonna have to sue my parents then

Don't worry Dez I've heard that from many (apparently straight) guys 😉

A very good friend of mine always says that if there were a button he could press and it would mean he had never existed then he would press it. He’s unwavering on that.

I'm the same. If there was a way for me not to be here without leaving a mess and a load of upset people, I'd be all over it. Just switch me off.

we’re not in charge of our mind, or mind is in charge of us and it’s hardwired to reproduce.

Erm, I counter that by saying You are totally in charge of your mind and your actions. You aren’t a Puppet.

And we’re not hard wired to reproduce either. Otherwise those that choose to not have children (me) would be unable to choose not too.

That logic has had plenty of research and tomes written about this subject, and plenty of evidence to suggest the human mind is individual and there are no pre-existing conditions other than breathing and functioning to support itself from birth. Thereafter it is subject to social conditioning and it’s own reasoning decisions.

I'm aware this is the internet so everything has the be definitive and not nuanced, but a lot of what we think is desire is just a hormone reaction. No we're not mindless robots, slaves to a genetic pre disposition to act a certain way, but our concious mind isn't in complete control either.

No one is completely in control of their mind or actions. A lot of what we do is completely pointless - I mean what's the point of riding off into the wilderness on a bicycle? There are benefits of course, but if you want to maintain fitness it's a lot cheaper, safer and more convenient to go to a gym, or better still - all the information you need for a perfectly healthy balanced diet is at your fingertips, couple that with a little light activity, a short walk a day for example and you could enjoy a fit and healthy body the rest of your life, but people enjoy chips, even though they're nutritionally bad for you? Why, because smelling them, seeing them, tasting them and digesting them creates changes within our brain that make us happy. If we were completely in control of our brain we'd either just eat foods that a perfectly tailored to our needs, or we could just feel like we've had chips anyway.

Had a bit of angst as a teen that carried through into twenties, so wasn’t glad then, life has a lot more meaning now I have kids (toddler and newborn) of my own to look after.

first half is me to a tee (early twenties at least); but it seems that we have chosen very different solutions. I'm not seeking a meaning or purpose, merely to enjoy myself before my inevitable death.

(re-reading that I sound like I think having kids is joyless - not my intention. Many people love being a parent.)

I’ve eaten bacon. So I’m really happy. If you had never eaten bacon, or it’s been a long time since you did, you may start questioning things.

Life is an opportunity to eat more bacon.

Ofcourse I am. Life is a mystery, thats part of the journey.

There is a growing number of folk that believe their dreams should be handed to them and mentally can't handle it when it doesn't work out. The work ethic (not employment wise, life wise) is gone and people want what they see on TV.

But all that said... I do honestly believe that people should have to pass a test or get a licence before they are allowed to breed. Too few are mentally equipped on how to raise a child.

Big difference between that and topping yourself (as outofbreath appears to suggest) – all the things you’ve done in your life wouldn’t exist either…

I was thinking it was a pretty good approximation but good point – Topping yourself doesn’t erase anything bad that you’ve done and could leave a grieving family.

Yep - this exactly. At times it has only been the thought of the aftermath and consequences that stops me stepping off the platform. It's got nothing to do with enjoying what I'M actually doing here.

Yarp.

Our time is short, make the most of it.

In a few billion years the universe karks it anyway.

I specifically asked to be tall, dark and handsome 🙂

In this modern age you can self-identify. Go you, you suave, tall hunk you. 😛

No. Where do I sign up for the button.
Reminds me of the Scandinavian guy who wanted to change his age legally....

But if you didn’t exist you wouldn’t be able to push the button, ergo you would continue to exist...

I’m glad I was born, I hope the dozen or so people whose lives I’ve helped directly to extend would think so too. And when I’m gone I hope I’ve done a bit of good in the world, and be remembered positively.

When I was early teens and early twenties I thought I knew it all but in reality knew sweet f all. The problem I think is too many now believe they do.

I suppose at the moment I'm happy I was born but there's been times I wished I hadn't, & they may be more.

If you can sue for being born, could someone sue for being born with a disability?

To be able to observe and interact and be part of the Universe as a human being with all the complex emotions and ability to rationalise... damn right I’m glad to have been born.

Nothing else, that we’re aware of has the same opportunity.

That’s where I am now, in my sixth decade of this existence. There have been many times when I yelled loudly for the world to stop because I wanted to get off.

been many times I wish i hadn't been born although I've done so much in my life, but that's chronic depression for you. I think it's selfish to have children if you can't/don't give them love, support and help to live a good life ( I personally did have all those things btw ) . I often ask people whether they have children for themselves or the child. I suspect in most cases it's the former. I know people will be shocked but I think people shouldn't be able to produce as many children as they want if they can't support them ( although how it would be policed I don't know ) I also wish finishing life early was made socially acceptable/painless and easy though ,as if I make old age ( nearly there), I'll have no money and the way our society is going will be facing homelessness .

Forgot
GEEX

eh?
As a male who’s shagged more women (more frequently) than most that choice was not always my own.
I’m hardwired to *.
it’s one of the few things i’m naturally good at.

why did you " * " the word WISH?

Up until three years ago I was very much enjoying life. A lot.
That’s now been taken away due to personal circumstances beyond my control.
If there was a button I’d push it right this minute.

eh?
As a male who’s shagged more women (more frequently) than most that choice was not always my own.
I’m hardwired to ****.
it’s one of the few things i’m naturally good at.

How do you know? Did you do a survey amongst other males or did Louise tell you?

Don't encourage him ffs.

Apparently the number of late teens saying life has no purpose has doubled in last few years.

Surely it's good thing that they have figured it out for themselves. There is no purpose to life other than one you choose to assign to it.

i never realised there was a pre birth opt out option

Recently added due to GDPR legislation.

“I love my parents,” he writes on Facebook, “and we have had a great relationship, but they had me for their joy and their pleasure.”

There you go, son, fixed it for you.

Don’t encourage him ffs.

🤣 What I was thinking!

As others have observed, I guess the answer to this will depend very much on your own personal circumstances. Personally, I am very glad to have been born. I also appreciate and am thankful for the fact that I was born and raised in this country which, despite our frustrations at times, is probably one of the best places to have the privilege of living. That I was born into a family that took up the responsibility of bringing me up with an understanding of respect, a sense of right and wrong and love (not that my childhood was always the happiest of times). I can't really comprehend what it must be like to have been born in some parts of the world where your daily existence is about finding something to eat, or being petrified that I'm going to be bombed, shot, raped or abused in some way. I'm sure if that was my circumstance I may well not be so happy. Although, in a lot of those places, they don't really know much different. I am also glad I was born into this era as well and not into some miserable era of the past - but who knows, I may well have been glad to have been born if I had lived in those times as I wouldn't have known much else or had much of a greater world perspective. There are moments where just breathing in the air while looking at some beautiful landscape or an intimate moment with the one you love or your kids that are just magical.

Actually, the above has confused me. If you can be [i]thankful[/i], you can also cast [i]blame[/i], so maybe the OP's bloke has a case. If that is the case.

Life is an opportunity to eat more bacon.

Unless you're a pig. Then it's the opportunity to eat and BE more bacon

why did you ” **** ” the word WISH?

I think the word you were looking for begins with W and rhymes with a building where money's kept

I think the word you were looking for begins with W and rhymes with a building where money’s kept

Walt?

Like quite a few, I feel fairly often that I would - but then with a lovely family and friends I feel very guilty.

It’s funny though, being seriously ill at the moment and having had a potentially fatal diagnosis for a few weeks, I do want to survive.

So, it depends is my answer - but all in, I would like to keep on living because at least then I feel something and I love my family so very much.

Honestly? No, but that is probably due to the depression.

And I’m certainly not hardwired to want to reproduce, quite the opposite, never have nor will I ever want kids, that’s why I’ve had the snip

Well, you've had the snip because you [i]are[/i] hardwired to reproduce.

it’s one of the few things i’m naturally good at.

Yet only a 3* rating on Tripadvisor...

😉

50/50, sometimes life is great, sometimes its not. It is always pretty much pointless though, none of us a required.
Unfortunately I frequently find myself interacting with people i wish had not been born 😀

It’s funny though, being seriously ill at the moment and having had a potentially fatal diagnosis for a few weeks, I do want to survive.

I often think about the will to survive when reading stories of people who survived being stuck in the wilderness etc and the main thing which seems to link those who made it was a strong desire to live (eg to see kids again). Then I think would I have that and the answer is probably not, I'd just stick it out for a bit and then go 'meh, does it really matter if I die'...

Walt?

No what I meant was ... oh fekkit, no it disney matter