Elon Musk urges Nikhil Kamath to have kids as he warns humanity is heading into dangerous decline: “You won’t regret it…”

Elon Musk recently voiced serious concerns over the world’s declining fertility rates and their long-term implications for civilisation in a discussion with People by WTF host Nikhil Kamath. He cautioned that if current demographic trends persist, humanity could face significant decline, and potentially even extinction. Musk linked this issue to his wider philosophy, emphasising that the growth of human consciousness and the advancement of civilisation rely on a larger population. He explained that fewer people mean reduced collective awareness, limiting humanity’s capacity to explore fundamental questions about existence. Musk stressed the existential importance of population growth, suggesting that having children is not only a personal choice but a crucial step to ensure the survival and progress of human civilisation.

Elon Musk warns population decline threatens humanity and urges parenthood

Musk distinguished decline and disappearance, emphasising that the stakes are existential. He said, “Well, I don't want humanity to disappear. But a ‘decline’ and ‘disappear’ are completely different things, right? Well, if the trend continues, we disappear.”


According to Musk, a shrinking population threatens humanity’s capacity to expand knowledge and consciousness. He argued that consciousness grows with the number of people, using the analogy of biological evolution: “Consciousness increases from a single-celled creature to a 30 trillion-celled creature. We are more conscious than bacteria. More humans mean more collective consciousness.”During the discussion, Kamath admitted that he has not had children. Musk responded lightheartedly but seriously, encouraging him to consider parenthood. “Maybe you should. You won't regret it,” he said.

He described parenthood as a unique journey that allows adults to experience life from a new perspective. “You have this little creature that loves you, and you love this little creature. You see the world through their eyes as they grow, from a baby with no awareness to a child forming ideas and understanding.” Musk reiterated that having children is essential to the survival of humanity: “We fundamentally have to have kids or grow extinct.”

Elon Musk on children, nature versus nurture, and history

Musk addressed the question of whether having children involves ego. He acknowledged that parents often see aspects of themselves in their offspring. He explained the combination of genetic inheritance and environmental influence in shaping children: “Kids are going to be half you genetically, and growing up around you transfers some of your understanding. They inherit the hardware and some software from you.”

Musk suggested that the traditional nature versus nurture debate is misleading. He framed humans in structural and computational terms, describing the brain as a biological computer and muscles as actuators. He noted that human abilities and consciousness depend on a combination of biological wiring and environmental learning. Kamath asked Musk how he would redesign the world in terms of morality, politics, and economics. Musk expressed optimism about the present, explaining that modern life is far better than most people realise. “The world is pretty great right now. Anyone who thinks otherwise may not be a good student of history.”

He contrasted current life with historical hardship. In the past, populations suffered from widespread disease, starvation, and tribal conflicts. “A good year back then might mean only ten percent of the population survived the year,” Musk said, highlighting the harsh realities of earlier centuries.

Elon Musk shares on life expectancy history and his own growing family

Musk also discussed the historical context of life expectancy. He pointed out that a century ago, the average life expectancy was 35 to 40 years, with high infant mortality and widespread infectious diseases. Medical care was rudimentary, and minor infections, injuries, or contaminated water could easily be fatal. This high mortality likely influenced families to have large numbers of children to ensure survival and continue their family lineage.

“Maybe that is why people had so many kids. Without it, half the children would not survive,” Musk explained. The conversation also touched on Musk’s personal life and children. Kamath noted that Musk has a large family. Musk replied with humour, saying, “Yeah, with multiple partners. Like an army. I am trying to get an entire Roman legion.”

This personal anecdote reinforced his larger argument that increasing human population is vital for sustaining civilisation and advancing human consciousness.

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