We are concerned about the low birth rate. And we’re also worried about children growing up without fathers. But it often goes against the other. If we keep pushing the slogan ‘let only those who can support children in the current situation and still maintain a stable marriage have children’, then this will lead to a further radical reduction in the birth rate.

In short, the issue is complicated, it has many facets, some seemingly good principles contradict each other, and it is almost certain that no existing model would work. Although some existing models can be very inspiring.

Why are there so few debates about this that take account of the complexity? Because, again, simplistic thinking prevails. It can look like, for example, some teenage activist learns the word “discrimination” and all the world’s problems are for him a question of discrimination. The whole point is to fight discrimination without anyone really knowing what it means. When the panacea doesn’t work (and it almost never does), the answer is more fighting discrimination.

Except that there can be the slogan “morality” and everything else equally simplistic and stupid. Both hinder understanding. Both prevent finding a solution that works.

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