It does not, however, seem impossible that by an attention to breed, a certain degree of improvement, similar to that among animals, might take place among men. Whether intellect could be communicated may be a matter of doubt: but size, strength, beauty, complexion, and perhaps even longevity are in a degree transmissible... As the human race could not be improved in this way, without condemning all the bad specimens to celibacy, it is not probable, that an attention to breed should ever become general.
Thomas MalthusThe 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 MalthusHad population and food increased in the same ratio, it is probable that man might never have emerged from the savage state.
Thomas MalthusThe most effectual encouragement to population is, the activity of industry, and the consequent multiplication of the national products.
Thomas MalthusThe friend of the present order of things condemns all political speculations in the gross.
Thomas Malthus