May Quote by Thomas Malthus
“A writer may tell me that he thinks man will ultimately become an ostrich. I cannot properly contradict him.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: An Essay on the Principle of Population, 1798
He admits a writer’s wild claim about humanity becoming ostriches is unchallengeable without evidence.
In simple terms: He can’t refute a bizarre idea without proof.
Key Takeaway
Seek evidence before accepting or rejecting claims.
Themes
skepticism
logic
communication
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
humorous
When to use this quote
- debates
- academic discussions
- media analysis
Key Concepts
critical thinking
argumentation
humor
Questions to Reflect On
- When do you accept a claim without proof?
- How can humor reveal deeper truths?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on authority can stifle inquiry.
![“[P]opulation, when unchecked, goes on doubling itself every twenty-five years, or increases in a geometrical ratio. ... [T]he means of subsistence, under circumstances the most favorable to human industry, could not possibly be made to increase faster than in an arithmetical ratio.” quote by Thomas Malthus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/16b/thomas-malthus-7621_circumstances_p-opulation-when-unchecked-goes-on-doubl_324443.jpg)
