Acharya Prashant responds to a question about the justification of procreation, given that life is suffering. He states that he does not justify it and that those who procreate would know their reasons. He explains that he has never had the thought of having children, so he cannot provide a reason for not doing so. He compares it to being asked why he hasn't fallen into a blind wellโthe thought simply never occurred to him. His life is full of things to do, and he knows these tasks are right, regardless of the happiness or sorrow they bring. He describes the process of procreationโfinding someone, getting them pregnant, hospital visits, and the subsequent troubles for bothโas a program he has never found interesting. He mentions changing diapers and criticizes the idea of reducing a woman's life to just her body, as she already lives a body-centric existence. He clarifies that he is not telling others not to have children but is merely stating his own lack of interest. He advises that if one sees a person of supposedly high consciousness engaged in procreation, one should be cautious and re-evaluate that person's level of consciousness. The speaker addresses potential counter-arguments. To the concern that the world would end if everyone thought like him, he sarcastically replies that those who feel responsible should save the world's existence. To the argument about declining population numbers of a specific community, he asserts that strength does not come from numbers. He gives the examples of the influence of the Jewish people and the British conquest of India, which were not based on numerical superiority. He emphasizes that the focus should be on increasing intelligence, power, and depth in life, not on expanding the population like animals. He states that we are humans, and our identity is our consciousness, not our body. He concludes that he is not against procreation itself but is against giving a child a worthless life, which he considers a great crime. He believes it is better to have one wise, strong, and virtuous child than five unworthy ones, prioritizing depth over expansion.
