Deleted Member 1643
Well-Known Member
Recently, in another thread, provoked heated discussion by espousing an "antinatalist" viewpoint. Not an expert (most of the points made were from a 1974 episode of "All in the Family"), but antinatalism appears to be the idea that maybe it's okay to sit out reproduction, because overpopulation exacerbates every existential crisis we face as a species.
Interesting for a number of reasons, perhaps the most important of which being that people with opposing viewpoints were (eventually) able to talk to each other civilly. Clearly a prerequisite if we're ever to solve any of those existential crises.
Another worthwhile outcome was understanding that existential crises are nothing new. In 1974, overpopulation and ozone depletion were among those Norman Lear and his writers addressed. Despite our population doubling, forty-five years later, our species is still here. Life is worse for some, but better for many. For whatever reasons, some of us seem to like to see our existence as threatened, and that's been true for some time - maybe forever.
Mods - please feel free to set ground rules or just toss it on the ABV pile, as desired. And everyone, please keep in mind that humor is a plus - it relieves some of the tension that such discussions are bound to create.
To get the ball rolling, from the morning newspaper - resistant bugs. Who among us would take their side? There may be little hope of eradicating them, but there are still positive steps we could and should take. Personally, Dad picked up the particular bug discussed below on his last hospital visit. He required 56 days of IV antifungals, and he will be on oral antifungals for the rest of his likely-to-be-short life.
Have at it - post your favorite existential crisis!
Deadly germs, Lost cures
A Mysterious Infection, Spanning the Globe in a Climate of Secrecy
The rise of Candida auris embodies a serious and growing public health threat: drug-resistant germs.
By Matt Richtel and Andrew Jacobs
Edit: To celebrate, and in hommage to @TiSteamo's choice of Henry David Thoreau, whose bemusedly judgemental expression gives appropriate pause - a new avatar. Who dis?
Interesting for a number of reasons, perhaps the most important of which being that people with opposing viewpoints were (eventually) able to talk to each other civilly. Clearly a prerequisite if we're ever to solve any of those existential crises.
Another worthwhile outcome was understanding that existential crises are nothing new. In 1974, overpopulation and ozone depletion were among those Norman Lear and his writers addressed. Despite our population doubling, forty-five years later, our species is still here. Life is worse for some, but better for many. For whatever reasons, some of us seem to like to see our existence as threatened, and that's been true for some time - maybe forever.
Mods - please feel free to set ground rules or just toss it on the ABV pile, as desired. And everyone, please keep in mind that humor is a plus - it relieves some of the tension that such discussions are bound to create.
To get the ball rolling, from the morning newspaper - resistant bugs. Who among us would take their side? There may be little hope of eradicating them, but there are still positive steps we could and should take. Personally, Dad picked up the particular bug discussed below on his last hospital visit. He required 56 days of IV antifungals, and he will be on oral antifungals for the rest of his likely-to-be-short life.
Have at it - post your favorite existential crisis!
Deadly germs, Lost cures
A Mysterious Infection, Spanning the Globe in a Climate of Secrecy
The rise of Candida auris embodies a serious and growing public health threat: drug-resistant germs.
By Matt Richtel and Andrew Jacobs
Edit: To celebrate, and in hommage to @TiSteamo's choice of Henry David Thoreau, whose bemusedly judgemental expression gives appropriate pause - a new avatar. Who dis?
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Even makes sense from a population/evolution perspective, to the extent that bachelors become second fathers to their nieces, nephews, etc. 
