It is curious that while good people go to great lengths to spare their children from suffering, few of them seem to notice that the one (and only) guaranteed way to prevent all the suffering of their children is not to bring those children into existence in the first place.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the paradox of parental instinct to protect children from suffering while ignoring the fact that not having children is a sure way to avoid their suffering.
David Benatar's quote presents a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of existence and suffering. He argues that while many good-hearted individuals go out of their way to shield their children from the hardships and pains of life, they overlook the ultimate solution: the decision not to have children at all. This raises complex ethical questions about procreation and the responsibilities of parents, suggesting that the desire to improve children's lives may be misguided if it ignores the fundamental reality of suffering inherent in life.
In practice
During a discussion on the ethics of parenting, this quote could illustrate the complexities of bringing children into a world with inherent suffering.
Each one of us was harmed by being brought into existence. That harm is not negligible, because the quality of even the best lives is very bad—and considerably worse than most people recognize it to be. Although it is obviously too late to prevent our own existence, it is not too late to prevent the existence of future possible people.
I would not be beholden to a tyrant, for his acts of tyranny. For it is but usurpation in him to save, as their rightful lord, the lives of men over whom he has no title to reign.
The idea of cultural relativism is nothing but an excuse to violate human rights.
He is, as you say, a remarkable horse, a prodigious horse, although as you very justly observe, a suspicious and untractable character.
Yes; poor Bunbury is a dreadful invalid. Well, I must say, Algernon, that I think it is high time that Mr. Bunbury made up his mind whether he was going to live or to die. This shillyshallying with the question is absurd.
The continual cracking of your feet on the road makes a certain quantity of road come up into you. When a man dies they say he returns to clay but too much walking fills you up with clay far sooner (or buries bits of you along the road) and brings your death half-way to meet you. It is not easy to know what is the best way to move yourself from one place to another.
As a good wine must be kept in a good cask, so a wholesome body is the proper foundation for a well-appointed inner ground.
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