Essay on the Principle of Population

"An Essay on the Principle of Population," written by Thomas Malthus in 1798, explores the relationship between population growth and resources. Malthus argued that populations tend to grow exponentially, while food production increases arithmetically. This imbalance leads to inevitable shortages, resulting in famine, disease, and societal challenges. He emphasized that without checks—like moral restraint, famine, or war—population growth would outstrip resources, creating suffering. Malthus' ideas sparked debates on population control and sustainability and influenced fields ranging from economics to environmental science. His work highlights the critical balance between human numbers and available resources.