Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio.
Thomas MalthusRead
The most baleful mischiefs may be expected from the unmanly conduct of not daring to face truth because it is unpleasing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Avoiding unpleasant truths can lead to significant negative consequences.
This quote by Thomas Malthus emphasizes the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths rather than evading them due to their unpleasant nature. It suggests that ignoring these truths can result in serious misfortunes and mischiefs, reflecting a deeper understanding of the consequences tied to denial and avoidance in various aspects of life.
Themes
TruthCourageConfrontationWisdomMischief
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about leadership, one might use this quote to encourage honesty and transparency.
More from Thomas Malthus
All quotes βThe prodigious waste of human life occasioned by this perpetual struggle for room and food, was more than supplied by the mighty power of population, acting, in some degree, unshackled, from the constant habit of emigration.
Thomas MalthusRead
The power of population is indefinitely greater than the power in the earth to produce subsistence for man.
Thomas MalthusRead
The rich, by unfair combinations, contribute frequently to prolong a season of distress among the poor.
Thomas MalthusRead
In a state therefore of great equality and virtue, where pure and simple manners prevailed, the increase of the human species would evidently be much greater than any increase that has been hitherto known.
Thomas MalthusRead
I think it will be found that experience, _x000D_ the true source and foundation of all knowledge, _x000D_ invariably confirms its truth.
Thomas MalthusRead
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But there is another danger besetting your path. I mean the error of regarding your own capacities instead of your work, of putting self-consciousness in place of God.
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The sacrifice which causes sorrow to the doer of the sacrifice is no sacrifice. Real sacrifice lightens the mind of the doer and gives him a sense of peace and joy. The Buddha gave up the pleasures of life because they had become painful to him.
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