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On the whole it may be observed, that the specific use of…

“On the whole it may be observed, that the specific use of a body of unproductive consumers, is to give encouragement to wealth by maintaining such a balance between produce and consumption as will give the greatest exchangeable value to the results of the national industry.” quote by Thomas Malthus
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“On the whole it may be observed, that the specific use of a body of unproductive consumers, is to give encouragement to wealth by maintaining such a balance between produce and consumption as will give the greatest exchangeable value to the results of the national industry.”

Thomas Malthus

About This Quote

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

It argues that a surplus of non‑productive consumers stabilizes wealth by balancing production and consumption, maximizing the market value of national output.

In simple terms: Surplus consumers boost economic value.

Key Takeaway

Balance of production and consumption drives wealth.

Themes

economics wealth distribution consumer behavior national industry value theory

Mood

analytical critical

Type

theoretical economic

When to use this quote

  • policy planning
  • industrial strategy
  • economic forecasting

Key Concepts

exchangeable value production-consumption equilibrium

Practical Applications

  • macroeconomic modeling
  • public policy design

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does consumer surplus affect national wealth?
  • Can this balance be sustained in modern economies?
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