[vgoh1]

First of all, humans are the only sentient beings in the known universe. Second, most humans have children because that is maximizing their quality of life - it is a living organisms instinct to replicate, and (most) humans are no different. If you feel different, check the stats on how many have children, and think, you may just be in a bubble. Humans have endured millennia of starvation and disease, try to keep our upcoming hardships in perspective.

Beyond reasons why it would not maximize our quality of life, collectively deciding to not have kids just would not do any good. You are taking people 'like you' out of the gene pool, while people who choose to not go with the collective will procreate.

[TekMol]

    most humans have children because that is
    maximizing their quality of life

Citation needed. I have read several studies about which factors improve quality of life. I cannot remember a single one that had "children" in the list of factors that significantly improve happiness.

[ljcn]

Just yesterday - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/children-happines...

Parents with grown-up children report being happier than those without children (but those with younger children are the least happy).

[TekMol]

First paragraph:

    Parents often say their children bring them joy
    but most research suggests kids cause financial
    worry, stress and anxiety.

Second paragraph:

    However, the latest research suggests children
    do actually make people happier – but only once
    they’ve left home.

That is in line with what most studies come up with as one of the central aspects of a happy life: Having friends. I would think that kids kinda fall in that category after they left home.

[Scarblac]

How about "being a grandparent"?