The exertions that men find it necessary to make, in order to support themselves or families, frequently awaken faculties that might otherwise have lain for ever dormant, and it has been commonly remarked that new and extraordinary situations generally create minds adequate to grapple with the difficulties in which they are involved.
Thomas MalthusThe first business of philosophy is to account for things as they are; and till our theories will do this, they ought not to be the ground of any practical conclusion.
Thomas MalthusNo limits whatever are placed to the productions of the earth; they may increase forever.
Thomas MalthusThe constant effort towards population, which is found even in the most vicious societies, increases the number of people before the means of subsistence are increased.
Thomas MalthusHad population and food increased in the same ratio, it is probable that man might never have emerged from the savage state.
Thomas Malthus