NoNameProf

Once someone remarked to me that my kids have taken away time that I can do research, my response was “no, my research has taken away time that I can otherwise spend with my kids”.  I think I represent one extreme. The funny thing is that there are a lot of people out there who will think I am being quite irrational.

Being a parent and devoting one’s best part of life to raising kids may indeed seem to be an irrational decision, if we follow the assumption of self-interest individual. Unlike in not so ancient time, kids are no longer insurance against old age. They leave home for college, and then we get to see them a couple times a year.

I suppose in my case, in addition to all reasons given by like-minded parents and biological and social explanations, it is also an issue of keeping my promise. If I bring someone into life, then I have signed an implicit contract that I will provide the best opportunities for them within my ability. I see this very much the same as what we promise when we marry someone.