50 pages • 1 hour read
Thomas MalthusAn Essay on the Principle of Population
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1798A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
An Essay on the Principle of Population by Thomas Malthus, first published anonymously in 1798, argues that human population grows exponentially while food production increases linearly, inevitably leading to overpopulation and insufficient food supply. Despite controversies, its influence extended to foundational theorists like Darwin, Engels, and Marx, though modern critics dismiss Malthus's underestimation of technological advancements.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Thomas Malthus' An Essay on the Principle of Population provides a thought-provoking analysis of population dynamics and resource limitations. Many commend its foundational impact on economics and demography, though critics argue its predictions are overly pessimistic. While some theories remain outdated, its historical significance and influence on policy endure.
Who Should Read An Essay on the Principle of Population?
Readers fascinated by economic theory, social policy, and historical perspectives on population dynamics will enjoy An Essay on the Principle of Population by Thomas Malthus. Comparable works include Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations and John Stuart Mill's Principles of Political Economy.