Thank you, Gary. I appreciate your reflections on how child-rearing used to be a communal effort, which contrasts sharply with the hyperindividualism we see in many Global North countries today. The competition you mention — whether it's parenting or education — adds so much pressure to the decision of having children.

Your observation about the global trend of declining birth rates resonates. It’s a shift that makes us question not just personal choices, but what kind of world we’re building.

Thanks again for sharing!