Affair Quote by Thomas Malthus
“If it be taught that all who are born have a right to support on the land, whatever be their number, and that there is no occasion to exercise any prudence in the affair of marriage so as to check this number, the temptations, according to all the known principles of human nature, will inevitably be yielded to, and more and more will gradually become dependent on parish assistance.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Essay on the Principle of Population, 1798
Malthus argues that unchecked population growth outpaces resources, leading to reliance on charity unless marriage is limited.
In simple terms: Population growth can outstrip resources, causing dependence on aid.
Key Takeaway
Control family size to prevent poverty.
Themes
population
resource scarcity
charity
marriage
economics
Mood
concerned
analytical
Type
sociopolitical
economic
When to use this quote
- government policy
- family planning
- social services
- community support
Key Concepts
Malthusian theory
demographic transition
social welfare
Questions to Reflect On
- How can modern technology alter resource limits?
- What ethical issues arise in limiting family size?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all societies have similar resource constraints and cultural norms.
![“[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)
