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It might be an imperative for the human race, but not on an individual level. There is no must ... there is no law in the universe that says that we must continue.
In line with the other commenter, I can only speak for myself. Nothing about parenting is appealing to me, and I can't even think of one aspect of my life that would improve. A long list of cons with no pros. I've accepted that people are just wired differently. For me it makes no sense, but others go through great effort and expense to become parents (e.g. those with fertility issues going through various treatments).
Absolutely get that opinion. Nobody should ever feel pressured by society or individuals to have children
I had my kids later in life, having travelled the world and had a few long-term relationships. The version of me that was diving in Thailand, working in bars in New Zealand and exploring catacombs in Paris in his 20s found the concept of having kids almost absurd.
I was 36 when my first son was born, 38 when we had our 2nd. It's an absolutely profound experience and everything else I've experienced pales in comparison to fatherhood. My younger self would never have believed it, and I don't expect anyone who's not got kids to fathom what it's like.
In fact, I fully expect people who read this who don't have kids to find the sentiment condescending and even a little patronising. I know I would have.
Sorry, but to me this sounds the same like a suicidal person saying, they don't get why people want to live.
Of course everyone can do what they want. But I can totally understand someone who doesn't want kids or who wants to off themself. The not being able to understand people wanting to have children part seems a bit pathological to me.
Oh boy! Us childfree people have never heard that one before.
Nothing about parenting is appealing to me. I'm obviously missing whatever the draw, and that's ok. That's not pathological, that's just being honest with one's self. Maybe society should be more honest about what parenting actually entails and accept that it isn't for everyone rather than trying to shoehorn everyone into it.