The Brutal Truth About Kids and Happiness

The gist

1. Studies on parenthood and happiness often mix intended and unintended pregnancies, so the conclusions can be misleading when applied generally.
2. Williamson says about 80% of childless women who reach menopause wanted children, pointing to broken dating markets and infertility as the main causes.
3. Countries like Thailand and India face demographic collapse within 2 to 3 decades, with serious knock-on effects for pensions and social support systems.
4. Williamson argues that meaning, not the absence of suffering, is the better measure of a worthwhile life.