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Every species of animals naturally multiplies in…

“Every species of animals naturally multiplies in proportion to the means of their subsistence, and no species can ever multiply be yond it. But in civilized society, it is only among the inferior ranks of people that the scantiness of subsistence can set limits to the further multiplication of the…” quote by Adam Smith
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““Every species of animals naturally multiplies in proportion to the means of their subsistence, and no species can ever multiply be yond it. But in civilized society, it is only among the inferior ranks of people that the scantiness of subsistence can set limits to the further multiplication of the human species;””

Adam Smith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Population growth is limited by resources; in societies, scarcity affects lower classes more, restricting human multiplication.

In simple terms: Resources limit how many can thrive; poverty restricts growth.

Key Takeaway

Address resource inequality to enable broader prosperity.

Themes

economics population resource scarcity social class inequality

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

economic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • social welfare
  • education
  • healthcare

Key Concepts

Malthusian limits social stratification economic development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do modern safety systems this view?
  • What policies can mitigate scarcity?
A Different Perspective

Assumes uniform desire to multiply; cultural factors also matter.

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