Abhorrence Quote by Thomas Malthus
“The greatest talents have been frequently misapplied and have produced evil proportionate to the extent of their powers. Both reason and revelation seem to assure us that such minds will be condemned to eternal death, but while on earth, these vicious instruments performed their part in the great mass of impressions, by the disgust and abhorrence which they excited.”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Essay on the Principle of Population, 1798
Powerful abilities misused cause disproportionate harm, and society condemns them, yet they still shape history through the revulsion they provoke.
In simple terms: Misused talent causes great harm.
Key Takeaway
Beware how talent is applied.
Themes
power
responsibility
morality
history
human nature
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
historical
When to use this quote
- Political leadership
- Scientific research
- Corporate decision‑making
- Artistic creation
- Technological development
Key Concepts
Ethics
Consequences
Social impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies channel talent responsibly?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of power?
A Different Perspective
Even condemned minds can leave lasting negative impressions.
![“By 1782 [John Adams] had come to feel for [Benjamin] Franklin "no other sentiments than Contempt or Abhorrence."” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91d/gordon-s-wood-13199_abhorrence_by-1782-john-adams-had-come-to-feel-for_357591.jpg)
![“[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)
