The power of population is indefinitely greater than the power in the earth to produce subsistence for man.
Thomas MalthusHad population and food increased in the same ratio, it is probable that man might never have emerged from the savage state.
Thomas MalthusIt is also very important to observe, that menial servants are absolutely necessary to make the resources of the higher and middle classes of society efficient in the demand for material products.
Thomas MalthusIn a state therefore of great equality and virtue, where pure and simple manners prevailed, the increase of the human species would evidently be much greater than any increase that has been hitherto known.
Thomas MalthusIf 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.
Thomas Malthus