dead
And you DID use "Most" as a qualifier, too, btw. That would be implying a majority.Dilbert_X wrote:
No, a lot and many means a large number, not necessarily a majority.
Stupid words...and their meanings...and stuff...Dilbert_X wrote:
Most parents raise children for their own benefit, not for the benefit of the child.
Sorry that you got shipped off to boarding school, but I would hazard a guess that your experience is not the norm. While it may have skewed your view of things, you should realize that just because your parents were selfish, that's not what parenting is about. My parents were self-centered as well, but both my sister and I are completely dedicated to our respective children (had to write that one carefully ).
In fact, I think realizing the mistakes that were made by your parents and making sure you don't make those with your kids is pretty important. However, as poor as my parents were, they didn't do everything wrong. There were some positives I could take away, as well. Not many, mind you, but some. Not much on the nurturing side, but quite a bit on the practical side.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
― Albert Einstein
Doing the popular thing is not always right. Doing the right thing is not always popular
― Albert Einstein
Doing the popular thing is not always right. Doing the right thing is not always popular
Yeah that could've gone hilariously badly.but both my sister and I are completely dedicated to our respective children (had to write that one carefully ).
Last edited by Spark (2010-02-11 04:28:02)
The paradox is only a conflict between reality and your feeling what reality ought to be.
~ Richard Feynman
~ Richard Feynman
So why do parents raise kids?
If its for that warm fuzzy feeling inside then that is a selfish motivation and would apply pretty widely I would have thought.
Everyone makes mistakes, but basic motivations are key.
If its for that warm fuzzy feeling inside then that is a selfish motivation and would apply pretty widely I would have thought.
Everyone makes mistakes, but basic motivations are key.
Last edited by Dilbert_X (2010-02-11 04:29:14)
Fuck Israel
It's not for "that warm fuzzy feeling inside". There isn't a selfish motivation behind it. Probably more of an instinctual motivation more than anything, I would guess. Not something one could easily or academically nail down.Dilbert_X wrote:
So why do parents raise kids?
If its for that warm fuzzy feeling inside then that is a selfish motivation and would apply pretty widely I would have thought.
Everyone makes mistakes, but basic motivations are key.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
― Albert Einstein
Doing the popular thing is not always right. Doing the right thing is not always popular
― Albert Einstein
Doing the popular thing is not always right. Doing the right thing is not always popular
You can't say its selfless then.
Fuck Israel
Just admit that you generalized too much Dilbert. Parents do not raise kids for the reasons you stated. Most (<qualifier) of the time.
"The President does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation" - Barack Obama (a freshman senator from Illinios)
I argue that Dilbert_X, Machiavelli, and Locke are all correct. I think parents kid themselves (get it?!/!) when they pretend it is an entirely selfless act. There is always a sub-conscious desire to have the child for utility purposes. Here Dilbert is wrong to argue that short-term matters like marital status and economic standing are the largest motivators. Instead I would claim it is security in old age which drives parents to have kids, not consciously, but sub-consciously. It's ingrained for self-preservation. You know you're going to get old and not be able to care for yourself in some capacity, and you hope to raise loyal children who will care for you in old age.
The shape of an eye in front of the ocean, digging for stones and throwing them against its window pane. Take it down dreamer, take it down deep. - Other Families
Everything everyone does anywhere on the planet is for selfish reasons. It's called rational self interest. Altruism does not exist.Dilbert_X wrote:
So why do parents raise kids?
If its for that warm fuzzy feeling inside then that is a selfish motivation and would apply pretty widely I would have thought.
Everyone makes mistakes, but basic motivations are key.
"Ah, you miserable creatures! You who think that you are so great! You who judge humanity to be so small! You who wish to reform everything! Why don't you reform yourselves? That task would be sufficient enough."
-Frederick Bastiat
-Frederick Bastiat
Or pass on the family name or be there to accept the fruits of your lifetime of hard work etc. I don't want to work my entire life and die with a full bank account that I have no one to pass on to. It's not my primary motivation for wanting kids but it's certainly up there. Let's face it, in this world where it's so hard to be recognized and rise above the din, the memories that your own family carries about with them is just about the only legacy we have. Everyone wants to be at least a little immortal.Pochsy wrote:
I argue that Dilbert_X, Machiavelli, and Locke are all correct. I think parents kid themselves (get it?!/!) when they pretend it is an entirely selfless act. There is always a sub-conscious desire to have the child for utility purposes. Here Dilbert is wrong to argue that short-term matters like marital status and economic standing are the largest motivators. Instead I would claim it is security in old age which drives parents to have kids, not consciously, but sub-consciously. It's ingrained for self-preservation. You know you're going to get old and not be able to care for yourself in some capacity, and you hope to raise loyal children who will care for you in old age.
"Ah, you miserable creatures! You who think that you are so great! You who judge humanity to be so small! You who wish to reform everything! Why don't you reform yourselves? That task would be sufficient enough."
-Frederick Bastiat
-Frederick Bastiat
My Son is cool and my wife and I are giving him the best upbringing we can afford. I really don't hava a reason or motivation to. He's my Son, I'm his Dad. I love the lil guy with all my heart. I'd gladly trade my life to help his, same goes for my Wife. It is as simple as that.
I stood in line for four hours. They better give me a Wal-Mart gift card, or something. - Rodney Booker, Job Fair attendee.
Of course. We're not questioning your love or commitment to your child at all. Our inquiry is more-so concerned with why you love your son, not if you love him. The answer we find will not change the fact that you do love him, it is purely to determine why parents are so inclined to have children. It does not even have to be a conscious choice, it may be part of our species.DBBrinson1 wrote:
My Son is cool and my wife and I are giving him the best upbringing we can afford. I really don't hava a reason or motivation to. He's my Son, I'm his Dad. I love the lil guy with all my heart. I'd gladly trade my life to help his, same goes for my Wife. It is as simple as that.
I also won't pretend for a moment that we can actually answer this question.
The shape of an eye in front of the ocean, digging for stones and throwing them against its window pane. Take it down dreamer, take it down deep. - Other Families
A building, monument, or location named after you works for some people. Foundations works wonders where you can't entrust to your kids.JohnG@lt wrote:
Or pass on the family name or be there to accept the fruits of your lifetime of hard work etc. I don't want to work my entire life and die with a full bank account that I have no one to pass on to. It's not my primary motivation for wanting kids but it's certainly up there. Let's face it, in this world where it's so hard to be recognized and rise above the din, the memories that your own family carries about with them is just about the only legacy we have. Everyone wants to be at least a little immortal.Pochsy wrote:
I argue that Dilbert_X, Machiavelli, and Locke are all correct. I think parents kid themselves (get it?!/!) when they pretend it is an entirely selfless act. There is always a sub-conscious desire to have the child for utility purposes. Here Dilbert is wrong to argue that short-term matters like marital status and economic standing are the largest motivators. Instead I would claim it is security in old age which drives parents to have kids, not consciously, but sub-consciously. It's ingrained for self-preservation. You know you're going to get old and not be able to care for yourself in some capacity, and you hope to raise loyal children who will care for you in old age.
It doesn't matter how much the world changes people will always only value the same old mantra "have a child,write a book and plant a tree" and if you think differently you're just wrong.
If you want to make a mark then live your life and that is enough,when you're gone doesn't matter anymore.
If you want to make a mark then live your life and that is enough,when you're gone doesn't matter anymore.