To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Consider the problem of over-population. Rapidly mounting human numbers are pressing ever more heavily on natural resources. What is to be_x000D_ done?... The annual increase of numbers should be reduced. But how? We_x000D_ are given two choices -- famine, pestilence and war on the one hand,_x000D_ birth control on the other. Most of us choose birth control.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote discusses the urgent issue of overpopulation and presents birth control as a preferable solution to catastrophic outcomes like famine and war.
In this thought-provoking quote, Aldous Huxley highlights the critical issue of overpopulation and its impact on our natural resources. He delineates the stark choices humanity faces in addressing this problem: we can either succumb to the devastating effects of famine, disease, and conflict or proactively embrace birth control as a means to manage population growth. Huxley's assertion reflects a broader philosophical debate about the responsibilities of humanity in balancing growth with sustainability.
Themes
OverpopulationBirth ControlNatural ResourcesSustainabilityChoices
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing environmental sustainability, one might use Huxley's quote to advocate for responsible population management.
More from Aldous Huxley
All quotes →Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
Aldous HuxleyRead
In the course of history many more people have died for their drink and their dope than have died for their religion or their country.
Aldous HuxleyRead
On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean.
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No man ever dared to manifest his boredom so insolently as does a Siamese tomcat when he yawns in the face of his amorously importunate wife.
Aldous HuxleyRead
The leech's kiss, the squid's embrace, The prurient ape's defiling touch: And do you like the human race? No, not much.
Aldous HuxleyRead
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