Thomas Robert Malthus

Thomas Robert Malthus was an English economist and demographer best known for his theory on population growth, presented in his 1798 work "An Essay on the Principle of Population." He argued that populations grow exponentially while food production increases arithmetically, leading to inevitable shortages. Malthus suggested that without checks like famine, disease, or moral restraint, overpopulation would result in suffering. His ideas sparked debates on resources, sustainability, and socio-economic issues, influencing later theories in economics, ecology, and public policy. Malthus' insights remain relevant in discussions about population dynamics and environmental challenges today.