Jim Penman, the founder of Jim's Mowing, is running for the Libertarian party in Victoria's November election. In a new book, he argues that modern overstimulation from sex, pornography, social media, gambling, drugs, alcohol, and caffeine has desensitized human brains to dopamine, leading to declining birthrates.
The Dopamine Theory
Penman's book, The Birth-rate Crisis: the Hidden Catastrophe in the Global Decline, suggests that reduced sensitivity to dopamine has diminished interest in faith, community, marriage, and children. He writes that "scientific interventions may become necessary" to reverse the trend, including gene editing, drugs, or pheromones to restore dopamine sensitivity.
Australia's fertility rate stands at 1.48 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1. Government policies like the baby bonus have failed to halt the decline.
Biological Solutions
Penman, who has 10 children, leads Epigenes Australia, a research company exploring treatments to alter brain reward responses. He notes that calorie restriction in rats makes them more attentive to offspring, and his team plans human experiments, though regulations are driving research to China.
He also explores GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic) that reduce interest in alcohol, smoking, and gambling, and gene editing via CRISPR to mimic calorie restriction's effects.
Cultural Factors
Penman points to religious communities like the Amish and Mormons, where gambling and heavy drinking are discouraged, as having higher fertility. He argues that limiting sexual activity, including masturbation, can increase dopamine sensitivity, making everyday activities more pleasurable and reducing the need for "dangerous surge activities."
He cites his own adolescence, where he abstained from sexual outlets for five years after puberty, as potentially making his brain more sensitive to dopamine.
Political Context
Penman's views align with global "pro-natalist" trends, though he runs for the Libertarian party. Figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump have also expressed concern over falling birthrates. However, research shows that women's liberation, education, contraception, and social policies like parental leave and affordable housing are key factors.
The book is set for self-publication in October, with proceeds funding further research.
