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Circumstances Quote by Thomas Malthus

“[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
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“[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.”

Thomas Malthus

About This Quote

Source Essay: An Essay on the Principle of Population, 1798

Population grows geometrically while resources grow arithmetically, leading to potential scarcity.

In simple terms: Population outpaces resources.

Key Takeaway

Plan for sustainable growth.

Themes

population resource limits economics

Mood

concerned analytical

Type

economic environmental

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • food security
  • policy making

Key Concepts

Malthusian theory carrying capacity demography

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance population and resources?
  • What policies mitigate resource strain?
A Different Perspective

Technological advances can shift resource growth rates.

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