How to Live As an Antinatalist: 11 Steps
Antinatalism is a philosophical belief that assigns a negative value to birth, contending that it is morally wrong to bring new sentient beings into existence. If you find yourself aligning with this worldview and want to adopt an antinatalist lifestyle, here are 11 steps to help you live consistently with your beliefs.
1. Educate Yourself on Antinatalism: Familiarize yourself with the key concepts and arguments that support antinatalism. Understand the philosophy through the works of prominent thinkers like David Benatar, Julio Cabrera, and Thomas Ligotti.
2. Reflect on Your Own Values: Before committing to this life path, evaluate your personal values and ethics to ensure alignment with the principles of antinatalism.
3. Make Informed Reproductive Choices: As an antinatalist, you should aim to avoid bringing new life into existence. If you have a partner or plan on having one in the future, openly discuss your views and make mutually agreed-upon decisions regarding family planning.
4. Utilize Reliable Birth Control Methods: Ensure consistent use of effective contraceptives to avoid unintended pregnancies.
5. Advocate for Adoption or Fostering: Encourage others considering parenthood to explore adoption or fostering as these options provide loving homes for existing children in need.
6. Engage in Thoughtful Conversations: Discuss your antinatalist beliefs respectfully with others, even those who disagree, promoting understanding and stimulating philosophical debate.
7. Support Organizations That Align with Antinatalist Ethics: Donate time or resources to organizations helping vulnerable populations or addressing overpopulation and environmental degradation.
8. Adopt a Minimalist Lifestyle: Emphasize non-materialistic values in order to reduce consumption and decrease the need for further depletion of natural resources.
9. Practice Veganism or Vegetarianism: This ethical stance aligns with antinatalism in its concern for the wellbeing of sentient beings. By reducing or eliminating animal products from your diet, you contribute to lessening the overall suffering in the world.
10. Engage in Environmentally Friendly Practices: Utilize eco-friendly habits like recycling, upcycling, and reducing waste to minimize your impact on nature, considering the detrimental effects of overpopulation on our planet.
11. Foster a Supportive Community: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your beliefs and values to create a network of support and encouragement as you continue navigating life as an antinatalist.
By adhering to these 11 steps, you can live an authentic antinatalist lifestyle aligned with your philosophical convictions. Remember to respect differing opinions, commit to ongoing personal growth, and maintain consistency in your actions to make the most of your antinatalist journey.