Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio.
Thomas MalthusRead
The rich, by unfair combinations, contribute frequently to prolong a season of distress among the poor.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The wealthy often exacerbate the suffering of the poor through unjust actions.
In this quote, Thomas Malthus highlights the systemic issues where the rich exploit their power and resources, leading to prolonged periods of hardship for the impoverished. This reflects on societal structures that favor the wealthy, allowing them to maintain their status at the expense of those less fortunate.
Themes
WealthPovertySocial JusticeInequalityPower
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about economic inequality, one might use this quote to illustrate how wealth can impact social structures.
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
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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