Group 1 - The article discusses the pressures and challenges associated with having children, particularly for lower-income families, highlighting that raising children significantly increases living costs and stress levels [2][20][21] - It emphasizes that many individuals feel a sense of purpose in life revolves around two main tasks: caring for aging parents and raising children, which can lead to feelings of fulfillment or frustration depending on circumstances [3][19] - The narrative compares life to a challenging game, where having children represents difficult "boss levels" that provide a sense of achievement, while not having children may lead to boredom and a lack of purpose as individuals age [16][17][19] Group 2 - The article points out that many people who choose not to have children often come from difficult backgrounds and have negative perceptions of family life, leading to a belief that not having children is preferable [23][26] - It discusses the societal pressures and expectations surrounding parenting, particularly for those from lower-income backgrounds, who may struggle to provide for their children and face increased stress and conflict [21][22][25] - The piece concludes that the decision to have children should be based on an individual's understanding of their own life circumstances and the challenges they are willing to face, rather than societal expectations or pressures [37][40]

Societal Perspectives on Child-rearing - Traditional Chinese families often view raising children as an investment for old age, which can be a source of unhappiness for children [1] - Many parents raise children for personal reasons such as continuing the family line or fulfilling their own dreams, without considering the child's desires [1] - The author argues that most Chinese parents are selfish, expecting a return on their investment in their children rather than prioritizing the child's well-being [1] - The author suggests that if raising children is approached as a consumption rather than an investment, children can be born into a less pressured environment, fostering love and genuine connection [1] Economic Analysis of Child-rearing - The author calculates the costs and returns of raising children to argue that it is not a profitable investment in the current socio-economic climate [1] - The author advocates for a shift in mindset towards viewing children as a "consumer product" rather than an investment [1] Alternative Perspectives on Child-rearing - The author disagrees with the DINK (Dual Income No Kids) lifestyle and supports Elon Musk's view that those who are capable should have more children [1] - The author believes that having the right mindset towards children allows them to develop their own ideas and ensures fairness [1]