This is a highly discussed social topic at present. So, how does the popular AI model DeepSeek respond?
Without opting for deep thinking, its initial response was:
The Advantages of a Single Aristocratic Life:
- Freedom and Independence: Single life often means more freedom and independence. You can control your time, money, and energy, pursuing personal interests, career growth, and travel.
- Reduced Responsibilities: Without the responsibility of raising children, you can focus more on self-growth and personal goals without the financial and emotional burden of parenthood.
- Flexibility: Single life offers greater flexibility, making it easier to make life decisions such as moving, changing jobs, or exploring new hobbies.
The Meaning of Having Children:
- Family and Legacy: For many, having children is part of family continuity. Children provide a sense of completeness and legacy.
- Emotional Fulfillment: Many parents gain immense emotional satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment from raising children. Watching them grow, learn, and become independent is a unique experience.
- Social Contribution: Children are the future of society, and raising them can be seen as a contribution to social development. Through education, you help shape the future.
- Personal Growth: Parenting is also a journey of personal growth. It teaches patience, responsibility, and selfless love—qualities that are hard to acquire elsewhere.
How to Choose:
- Self-Reflection: Consider your life goals and values. Do you prioritize freedom and independence, or family and legacy?
- Social Pressure: Do not be swayed by societal or familial expectations. Choose the lifestyle that suits you best, not the one that pleases others.
- Long-Term Planning: Think about your future. What kind of life do you envision? Do you have the necessary resources and support to raise children?
Conclusion: There is no absolute right or wrong between being single and having children. What matters is finding the lifestyle that suits you and taking responsibility for your choice. Each person’s life path is unique—the key is to make a decision that brings happiness and fulfillment.
After opting for deep thinking, DeepSeek provided a profound and philosophical response, surpassing 90% of people’s perspectives and offering surprising insights.
DeepSeek’s Deep Thought Response:
The debate on “single aristocratic life” versus “having children” fundamentally explores two different life choices. Neither is inherently good or bad, but they correspond to different values, life experiences, and societal cultural logics. Here is a detailed analysis to help you think more clearly:
1. Single Aristocratic Life: A Modern Choice of Freedom
A Symbol of Economic and Mental Independence
In modern society, being single is no longer a “failure” label but a demonstration of personal economic independence and spiritual freedom. Without compromising for others, you can focus on self-growth, career development, or personal exploration, such as traveling, learning new skills, or investing in yourself, which can bring a strong sense of self-fulfillment.
Avoiding the ‘Responsibility Shackles’ of Traditional Family Life
Marriage and parenting often come with financial pressures (mortgages, education costs) and time-consuming duties (childcare, household chores). Singles can avoid these burdens and instead allocate their resources toward a higher quality of life, including greater spending freedom and a more flexible lifestyle.
Rebellion Against the ‘Social Clock’
Many young people choose to remain single as a challenge to the traditional “step-by-step” life script (marriage-child-rearing-retirement). They value present experiences over following societal expectations, asserting their individual life sovereignty through this choice.
2. The Meaning of Having Children: A Complex Question Beyond Biological Instincts
A Dual Drive of Biology and Society
From an evolutionary perspective, reproduction ensures species survival. From a sociological perspective, childbearing symbolizes “family completeness.” For some, children represent bloodline continuation, a defense against loneliness, or a practical retirement guarantee.
The Irreplaceable Emotional Experience
Although parenting is challenging, many parents describe a unique “emotional return”: witnessing the miracle of life, experiencing unconditional love, and gaining a new understanding of responsibility and sacrifice. These experiences are difficult to replace with other relationships.
The Invisible Social Expectations
Society relies on new generations to sustain itself (workforce, pension systems). Cultural traditions often tie childbearing to “life fulfillment.” This pressure may lead individuals to rationalize the necessity of having children.
3. The Core Conflict: Individualism vs. Collective Narratives
The Dilemma of Single Aristocrats:
While single life offers freedom, it may also face societal bias (e.g., being labeled “selfish” or “immature”) and the risk of loneliness in old age. Additionally, humans are social beings, and a lack of deep intimate relationships might lead to emotional emptiness.
The Cost of Childbearing:
Raising children involves high financial costs (time, money, career sacrifices), growing educational competition, and potential anxiety. Children are not “emotional insurance,” and if one has children due to external pressure, it may lead to regret or family conflicts.
4. How to Choose? Returning to Subjective Thinking
Distinguish Between ‘Active Choice’ and ‘Passive Compromise’
- Single Life: If chosen out of love for freedom and self-worth, rather than fear of intimacy, it is more likely to bring happiness.
- Parenthood: If driven by love for life and the anticipation of growing together, rather than fulfilling a duty or ensuring retirement security, it is more meaningful.
Accept the Costs of Your Choice
Every choice has an opportunity cost: being single means facing social pressure and potential loneliness, while parenting entails long-term responsibility and personal sacrifices. The key is whether you are willing to pay the price for the “core benefits” of your chosen path.
Recognize the Possibility of Change
Life needs may evolve with different stages. One might enjoy being single when young and later seek a family, or vice versa. There’s no need to view choices as set in stone.
5. The Ultimate Answer: Meaning Is Defined by You
- For Singles: If you find enough meaning in career, friendships, and interests, then being single is a successful life.
- For Parents: If having children expands your sense of life and connection, then parenting is a worthwhile journey.
The key is whether your choice aligns with your inner desires, rather than being driven by fear (e.g., fear of loneliness, fear of regret) or external pressure. The meaning of life is never about “what should be done” but about “how to assign meaning to your choices.”
