Jim's Mowing founder Jim Penman is standing for the Libertarian party in November’s Victorian election. In a new book, he argues that limiting sex could lead to more babies, as modern overstimulation has blunted dopamine responses.
The Birth-rate Crisis Theory
Penman, CEO of Jim's Group, claims that sex, drugs, parties, and social media have desensitized human brains to dopamine, reducing interest in faith, community, marriage, and children. He warns that "scientific interventions may become necessary" to reverse falling birthrates.
Global Birthrate Decline
Birthrates have fallen worldwide, with most countries below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman. Australia's rate is 1.48. Penman argues that government policies like baby bonuses have failed.
He writes: "We’ve proposed a more controversial possibility: that the birthrate crisis may ultimately require a biological solution." His research team is investigating treatments to alter brain reward responses, potentially improving addiction, anxiety, and motivation while reversing the birthrate decline.
Penman's Personal Experience
Penman, father of 10, says his own five-year period of only nocturnal emissions after puberty may have made his brain more sensitive to dopamine. He believes limiting sexual activity, even within marriage, can increase dopamine sensitivity.
Dopamine and Modern Life
He points to sex addiction, porn, social media, gambling, drugs, alcohol, and caffeine as culprits that bombard the brain. Religious communities like the Amish and Mormons, which discourage such activities, have higher fertility rates.
Penman notes that discouragement of sexual activity outside marriage, including masturbation, is a shared factor. He suggests that any reduction in sexual outlet could help.
Scientific Research and Future Treatments
Penman's company, Epigenes Australia, is exploring gene editing, drugs, or pheromones to restore dopamine sensitivity. He cites studies on calorie-restricted rats showing increased maternal attention. Plans to test human sweat or urine are moving to China due to Australian regulations.
He also considers GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, which reduce interest in alcohol and gambling, though scientists warn of potential emotional flatness. Gene editing using CRISPR is another avenue.
Penman concludes: "Over time, the birthrate crisis could begin to reverse naturally." His book, The Birth-rate Crisis: the Hidden Catastrophe in the Global Decline, is due for self-publication in October.
