I read a lot of evidence in favor of investing in young children. For example, the following from Nobel laureate James Heckman and co-author Masterov:
We argue that, on productivity grounds, it makes sense to invest in young children from disadvantaged environments. Substantial evidence shows that these children are more likely to commit crime, have out-of-wedlock births and drop out of school. Early interventions that partially remediate the effects of adverse environments can reverse some of the harm of disadvantage and have a high economic return. They benefit not only the children themselves, but also their children, as well as society at large.
So I was refreshed today to finally see the other side of the coin. I’d say, both by the gravitas of the author and the power of the argument, it pretty much balances out the argument:
My problem is the children themselves. They may be cute, but they are here to replace us. Need proof? Ever catch one walking around in your shoes? That’s a chilling moment, like finding an empty body snatcher pod in the basement.
“But children are our future!” Yes, but does that not also mean that we are their past? I don’t understand why we’re helping them. You don’t see union factory workers throwing a benefit for robots. (from I Am America, by Stephon Colbert, p10)
Quod Erat Demonstrandum
David Evans' personal blog 