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Douglas_Knight comments on Is it immoral to have children? - Less Wrong Discussion

15 Post author: jkaufman 22 October 2013 12:13PM

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Comment author: Douglas_Knight 22 October 2013 08:19:21PM 0 points [-]

How do you reach the conclusion that people "want" to have children in the sense of that link?

I am skeptical of giving much weight to "wants" in the sense of that link, but I don't think children are such a want. I do think that there is another relevant distinction in happiness research, between asking people "How do you feel right now?" vs "How satisfied are you with your life?" Childcare is very bad on the "like" scale, but a child produces much pride and life satisfaction.