Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio.
Thomas MalthusRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human struggle for resources is countered by population growth and migration.
This quote by Thomas Malthus emphasizes the paradox of human existence, where the relentless competition for basic necessities like room and food results in significant loss of life. Yet, this is balanced by the natural increase in population and the tendency of people to emigrate, seeking better opportunities elsewhere, leading to a dynamic distribution of human life and resources across the globe.
Themes
PopulationEmigrationResourcesStruggleHuman LifeEnvironment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a debate about population control policies.
More from Thomas Malthus
All quotes →The power of population is indefinitely greater than the power in the earth to produce subsistence for man.
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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.
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I think it will be found that experience, _x000D_ the true source and foundation of all knowledge, _x000D_ invariably confirms its truth.
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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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