Community Empowerment

How Did We End Up with Eight Billion People? Fate, Mismanagement, or Sheer Negligence?

I often find myself pondering a question that few dare to ask: How did we, as a species, reach a staggering eight billion people? Is it destiny and fate, or is it the result of poor decision-making and reckless management? More importantly, how do so many struggles for survival while the numbers continue to rise?

One of the most perplexing realities I observe is the tendency of financially struggling individuals to get married and have children. Why do so many bring innocent souls into hardship, knowing they lack the means to provide a dignified life? Shouldn’t parenthood be a privilege reserved for those who are both financially and emotionally capable?

A World of Scarcity or Unequal Distribution?

Many argue that the Earth has enough resources to sustain its inhabitants. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the world produces enough food to feed 10 billion people. Yet, more than 735 million people suffer from chronic hunger. The issue isn’t production; it’s distribution. Wealth and resources remain concentrated in the hands of a few, while billions struggle to secure basic needs.

The paradox is unsettling: some nations deal with obesity-related health crises, while others face starvation. Some individuals amass wealth beyond comprehension, while millions cannot afford shelter. If resources exist, why do we fail to ensure fair access? Is this inequality a natural order, or is it a symptom of human greed and systemic failure?

The Responsibility of Marriage and Parenthood

I once read that only men who are both financially and emotionally stable should marry. In Islam, this principle is clear: a man who cannot provide for a family is advised to fast and lower his gaze until he becomes capable. Yet, we often see the opposite; people entering marriage without preparation, bringing children into uncertainty, and expecting society to carry the burden.

When I decided to start a family, I was a teacher. My husband and I were aware of the financial challenges ahead, but we had the foresight and discipline to ensure that our children would never endure hunger or parental neglect. Parenthood is not just about the desire to have children; it’s about the ability to nurture and support them in every possible way.

Divorce: A Consequence of Unprepared Marriages

One of the devastating consequences of rushed, unprepared marriages is divorce. Globally, divorce rates have been rising, and the effects on children are profound. In the United States, nearly 40–50% of marriages end in divorce. In some countries, the rates are even higher, particularly in urbanized societies where economic and social pressures create additional strain on families.

Divorce can have severe emotional, psychological, and financial consequences for children:

• Emotional and Psychological Distress: Studies show that children of divorced parents are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that children from divorced families are twice as likely to suffer from mental health issues compared to those from intact families.
• Financial Hardship: Divorce often leads to financial instability, particularly for single-parent households. Research indicates that nearly 50% of single mothers in the U.S. live in poverty or face economic hardships after divorce, making it difficult to provide for their children’s education and well-being.
• Academic and Social Struggles: Children of divorced parents are more likely to perform poorly in school and exhibit behavioral problems. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that divorce negatively impacts children’s educational attainment, often reducing their likelihood of pursuing higher education.
• Increased Risk of Future Divorce: Statistics suggest that children of divorced parents are more likely to divorce when they grow up. They often struggle with commitment and relationship stability due to witnessing their parents’ failed marriage.

While some divorces are necessary, especially in cases of abuse or toxicity, many could have been prevented with better preparation, financial stability, and emotional maturity before marriage.

A Logical Perspective on Humanity’s Future

I am a realist. I examine life’s struggles and successes with logic rather than blind emotion. If we, as a global society, wish to progress toward a just and sustainable world, we must confront these difficult questions. Are we suffering because there are too many of us, or because we have failed to manage our resources and responsibilities wisely?

A wise society should prioritize creating conditions where every human being can reach their full potential. This means ensuring access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities before individuals embark on the lifelong commitment of marriage and parenthood. The children we bring into this world should not bear the consequences of our ignorance, selfishness, or lack of foresight.

Final Reflections

After almost thirty years of marriage, I feel compelled to share these insights; not as judgments, but as reflections from experience. If we seek to build a fair and sustainable world, we must start by questioning the choices we make at the most fundamental levels of life. It is not just about bringing more people into existence; it is about ensuring that every human life is valued, nurtured, and given a fair chance to thrive.

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