[jimmyvalmer]

A stock answer to be sure, but we have to assume "mattered" in this context refers to a nontrivial improvement to our species. Bearing children is arguably a trivial process (in the sense that nature has made it as frictionless as possible), and the improvement is yet to be substantiated.

[mikece]

Going through the physical acts required for procreation could be trivial to some, I suppose. What's not trivial is the sense of wonder and amazement when you hold your child in your arms for the first time, as well as the realization that nothing you've done or will do in your life will compare to how you protect, raise, encourage, and prepare this child to be a powerful force for change in the world long after you have gone.

[titovodka]

We have a saying where Im from that translates roughly to

“Whoever raised/gave birth never dies”

People generally say it at funerals of parents. Idea is that whatever you instill into your child is really part of your “living self” and its carried on for generations.

When I first heard this as a kid, it really put life into perspective of how the best legacy you can leave behind is a well-raised and loving family.

[jimmyvalmer]

I am reminded of a line from Chris Rock, "[A racial demographic] always want credit for some [expletive] they're supposed to do. They'll brag about stuff a normal man just does. They'll say, 'I take care of my kids... I a'int never been to jail.'"

[mikece]

It's a funny bit which is put into stark relief when cast in the negative: you do profound damage to society by NOT raising your children well... and could start a cycle that repeats for generations.

[JohnFen]

As a parent, I'd just like to say that having children is easy. Being a decent parent, however, is very difficult!

Having babies alone doesn't make a tremendous difference. Raising children well, however, does.