A Socratic Dialogue on the Decision to Have Children

Socrates: My dear friends, Prometheus and Athena, I hear you are engaged in a discussion about the decision to have children. Prometheus, you wish to bring life into the world because you wish to share its beauty. Is that correct?
Prometheus: Yes, Socrates. I believe the world is a treasure of beauty and love, and I feel it is my duty to share this experience with my children.
Socrates: A noble aspiration. But tell me, Prometheus, what do you mean by "beauty"? Is it the experience of pleasure? Or something deeper?
Prometheus: I suppose it is both. Beauty is found in the wonders of nature, in love, and in the joy of human connection.
Socrates: A rich notion. And Athena, you have doubts about this decision?
Athena: I do, Socrates. While Prometheus seeks beauty, I fear that our current world does not meet the conditions for true beauty. As Kant might argue, true beauty harmonizes the fulfillment of needs for all beings without causing harm or deprivation.

Socrates: A profound claim, Athena. But let us consider this step by step. Prometheus, do you agree that true beauty involves not only your pleasure but also the well-being of others?
Prometheus: I do. Beauty that harms others seems less beautiful.
Socrates: Good. Now, if your pursuit of beauty—for example, through travel or consumption—causes harm, does it diminish that beauty?
Prometheus: It would seem so. But surely, Socrates, the harm is minimal compared to the joy of creating life.
Socrates: Perhaps. But let us examine this further. Athena, can you provide an example where the pursuit of beauty might harm others?
Athena: Certainly. Consider the environmental impact of raising a child in today’s world. The resources consumed contribute to climate change, which threatens the well-being of others.

Socrates: A serious matter. Prometheus, if raising children contributes to such harm, how does this align with your desire to spread love and beauty?
Prometheus: I see your point, Socrates. Yet, should we not strive to raise children who will make the world better?
Socrates: A noble goal. But let us not assume. Athena, do you believe it is possible to raise children who improve the world?
Athena: It is possible, but the current systems and structures make it exceedingly difficult without perpetuating harm.
Socrates: So, Prometheus, might it be wise to first ensure the world is prepared to nurture true beauty before bringing life into it?
Prometheus: You give me much to consider, Socrates. Perhaps my desire for children should be tempered by a greater responsibility to the world they will inherit.

Socrates: A fair reflection. Let us leave with this thought: true beauty is the harmony of all beings’ needs. Until we achieve this, let us question deeply and act wisely.