Contemplating Existence: The Allure of Non-Birth
Created at: July 5, 2025
Not to be born is still the best policy. — Luigi Pirandello
Pirandello’s Stark Assertion
Luigi Pirandello’s proclamation, 'Not to be born is still the best policy,' confronts us with a radical skepticism toward the value of existence itself. Known for his probing explorations of identity and absurdity, Pirandello does not merely express pessimism, but rather encourages us to question the presumed gift of life. His words echo a long tradition in philosophy that critically examines the human condition.
Philosophical Roots of Anti-Natalism
This sentiment finds resonance in ancient works such as Sophocles’ 'Oedipus at Colonus,' where the chorus laments that 'not to be born is best.' Similarly, Arthur Schopenhauer’s 19th-century writings argue that existence is defined by suffering, and that non-existence spares one from inevitable pain. By situating Pirandello within this intellectual lineage, we see how his views amplify enduring questions about the value of coming into being.
The Burden of Consciousness
Transitioning from these philosophical underpinnings, we confront the challenge posed by self-awareness. Conscious humans are uniquely capable of reflecting on their own suffering. In novels like Pirandello’s 'One, No One and One Hundred Thousand' (1926), characters struggle with fractured identities and existential dread. Here, the phrase 'best policy' highlights the perceived burden of conscious existence and the temptations of escape.
Literary Reflections on Suffering
Building upon this, world literature is replete with voices that echo the struggle Pirandello names. From the existential despair in Dostoevsky’s 'Notes from Underground' (1864) to Samuel Beckett’s bleak landscapes in 'Waiting for Godot' (1953), writers grapple with the painful absurdity of living. Pirandello’s policy of non-birth becomes a motif for weighing suffering against the uncertain promise of joy.
Reconciling with Life’s Paradox
Ultimately, Pirandello’s maxim confronts us with a paradox: most people, despite life’s hardships, develop attachments and find meaning. While anti-natalist views suggest the prevention of suffering is paramount, many traditions—from Buddhism’s embrace of impermanence to existentialism’s call to create meaning—invite us to respond to suffering with resilience and creativity. In reflecting on Pirandello’s words, we are challenged not to despair, but to thoughtfully consider how and why we value existence.