"'...did I miscomprehend? Are there truly women among you who do not bear children?'" (p. 743) (For full reference, see here.)
On Kirkasant, mortality was so high that the need to reproduce became an instinct and has remained an imperative although the planet has become crowded.
I was taught that marriage was instituted by God for the two purposes of mutual support and raising children. Now I believe that it was instituted by men for the purpose of bequeathing property to identifiable legitimate male heirs. The family as a social institution has changed throughout history and can be expected to change even more in the future - depending on what else happens, of course. If society regresses, then so will its norms and institutions but, with continued technological progress and economic freedom, many alternative life-styles will be viable.
The Kirksanters must reproduce and are no longer interfertile with other branches of humanity...
6 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I sense shock and dismay in Graydal's question. And I do believe marriage was instituted by God and that men added good sound practical reasons for that. And many "alternative" life styles will not be good.
Sean
Culture is upstream of politics, but biology is upstream of culture.
Humans have to reproduce, or become extinct; on an individual level, everything a human being is or does or thinks is the product of innumerable generations of successful reproduction. The rest are epiphenomenon.
This is the foundation of all things. Culture and politics (and hence economics) are ultimately subsidiary to that, of necessity. If that doesn't get done, nothing matters at all.
Dear Mr. Stirling,
I agree, which is why I put no stock in most of these so called "alternate" life styles. Esp. the ones where it would be impossible for people to REPRODUCE.
Sean
Sean,
But alternative life-styles without reproduction include religious celibacy. People being so diverse, it is impossible that everyone or even a majority would opt for such a lifestyle.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
You are right! I should have remembered how some have felt called to practice celibacy for religious reasons. And both Our Lord and St. Paul said that calling is not meant for all.
Sean
Kaor, Paul!
I have wondered whether Daven and Graydal could still marry and have children by Graydal using cloning and genetic science to become pregnant using only her DNA. True, only daughters would result and Daven would not, strictly speaking, be their father. But it's a thought!
Sean
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