To remedy the frequent distresses of the common people, the poor laws of England have been instituted; but it is to be feared that though they may have alleviated a little the intensity of individual misfortune, they have spread the general evil over a much larger surface.


Chapter V, paragraph 2, lines 1-5. - An Essay on The Principle of Population (First Edition 1798, unrevised)

Thomas Robert Malthus Quotes

To remedy the frequent distresses of the common people, the poor laws of England have been instituted; but it is to be feared that though they may...

To remedy the frequent distresses of the common people, the poor laws of England have been instituted; but it is to be feared that though they may...

To remedy the frequent distresses of the common people, the poor laws of England have been instituted; but it is to be feared that though they may...

To remedy the frequent distresses of the common people, the poor laws of England have been instituted; but it is to be feared that though they may...