Question

“The power of population is so superior to the power of the earth to produce subsistence for man, that premature death must in some shape or other visit the human race. The vices of mankind are active and able ministers of depopulation. They are the precursors in the great army of destruction, and often finish the dreadful work themselves. But should they fail in this war of extermination, sickly seasons, epidemics, pestilence, and plague advance in terrific array, and sweep off their thousands and tens of thousands. Should success be still incomplete, gigantic inevitable famine stalks in the rear, and with one mighty blow levels the population with the food of the world.” – Thomas Robert Malthus, An essay on the principle of population, 1798. 

a. What does Malthus refer to as ‘success’?

b. Is the ‘mighty blow’ that Malthus refers to a preventive or a positive check?

c. What does Malthus mean by ‘power of Earth’?

d. What is the power of population?

Answer 1

a. The  process of depopulation

b. Mightly blow is a positive check i,e. famine

c. Power of Earth is referred to as the ability of Earth to produce subsistence.

d. Power of Population implies the rate at which population increases.