Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Unchecked population growth can rapidly outpace food supply growth, leading to potential scarcity.
This quote by Thomas Malthus illustrates the disparity between population growth and the growth of resources such as food. Malthus argues that while population can increase exponentially, resources tend to grow linearly, which can lead to serious issues of overpopulation and resource depletion if not managed properly.
Themes
PopulationGrowthResourcesSustainabilityMalthusian
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on sustainability, I used this quote to highlight the importance of managing population growth alongside resource management.
More from Thomas Malthus
All quotes →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
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.
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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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