The 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
Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Unchecked population growth can rapidly surpass resources.
Thomas Malthus's quote highlights the concern that when population growth is allowed to continue without checks, it will increase exponentially, which may lead to resource depletion and societal challenges. This idea serves as a warning for sustainable population management and resource allocation to prevent crises arising from overpopulation.
Themes
PopulationGrowthResourcesExponentialSustainability
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be referenced in discussions about sustainable development policies.
More from Thomas Malthus
All quotes βThe 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
Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio. Subsistence increases only in an arithmetical ratio. A slight acquaintance with numbers will shew the immensity of the first power in comparison of the second.
Thomas MalthusRead
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