i think its incredibly difficult for a male to truly become a man without children. it is very easy and seductive to be a manchild forever, whereas society seems to force women to grow up. And its certainly possible for a father to remain a manchild, but i think without that kind of responsibility and focus of having to mentor and keep another human alive its difficult to fully mature.

edit: I am a man

I don't think it's as-different-as-it-used-to-be for men and women now but I agree with the sentiment.

Becoming an engaged father shifted my perspective on who I am, changed opinions on societal matters, and made me feel like the person I was -- despite, from a young age, spending non-trivial amounts of time on contemplating morality and society and considering myself as a youth to be "mature for my age" -- was a selfish git.

I went from "c'mon what's the harm"-ing naysayers to "HEY think big picture! LONG term!" on SO many aspects of life.

The man I was would not get along with the father I am.

Your statement won't be popular, but I agree that, statistically-speaking, it's an overt intellectual "next stage".

Seriously can't tell if this is satire.

This has to be satire right?

You don't need to have kids to nut up and take responsibility for yourself and others.