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An Essay on the Principle of Population
- Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
- Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins
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An Essay on the Principle of Population
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Editor reviews
One of the most influential books of its era, An Essay on the Principle of Population inspired both Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace, fueled a debate on the size of Britain's population, and helped along the passage of the Census Act of 1800. With his rich, round tones, narrator Gareth Armstrong's performance precisely articulates Thomas Malthus' theory that rising population rates would lead to an increasing supply of labor that would inevitably lower wages. Malthus' concern that continued population growth would lead to poverty led him to argue for instituting positive and preventive checks on society - ideas which are still debated to this day.
Summary
While millions face hunger, malnutrition, and starvation, the world's population is increasing by over 225,000 people per day, 80 million per year. In many countries, supplies of food and water are inadequate to support the population, so the world falls deeper and deeper into what economists call the "Malthusian trap".
Here, Malthus examines the tendency of human numbers to outstrip their resources, and argues that poverty, disease, and starvation are necessary to keep societies from moving beyond their means of subsistence.
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What listeners say about An Essay on the Principle of Population
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Bill Atkinson
- 23-06-22
Great background learning
Whilst written 200 years ago and in old fashioned language this essay gives the reader a back to basics understanding upon which to base current thoughts. My favorite is when the author basically says basing progress on GDP is what will reinforce the issues of poverty.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Svend Frederiksen
- 03-02-23
Well read classic
Well known classic with a flowing language and clear logic. Excellent narrated. A book still of some influence on thinking and politics, on the crossroads of philosofi, liberal economics and natural sciences. A worth while classic even if mostly wrong.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Antony G Saunders
- 21-08-22
Historic view of population growth
The first half of this booking is a fascinating 18th century view on population growth. A must listen for any economist or social historian. Sadly the second half is mostly religious based drivel.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Jason
- 18-04-14
An interesting period piece, who's time has come.
What did you like best about An Essay on the Principle of Population? What did you like least?
It is a wonderful window into the colonial mind of the late eighteenth century. Many of his viewpoints are so screamingly politically incorrect as to have me laughing out loud, yet there was a strong argument that ran through the essay that I found myself unable to refute. I loved his somewhat archaic yet delightful use of the English language. My criticism is that he had one central argument which whilst well made, he did not really develop any further, rather just kept illustrating repeatedly by way of different examples.
What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?
Hey, I think the guy is essentially correct, and we are seeing the truth of his predictions being lived out around us every day. That was very interesting. I'm not sure if Godwin stole his girlfriend in adolescence or something, but his grinding an axe on Godwin's eralier work became tedious.
Have you listened to any of Gareth Armstrong’s other performances? How does this one compare?
I don't believe I have. I enjoyed his performance very much.
Do you think An Essay on the Principle of Population needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?
It would be tricky, 200 years after the fact, but of course this essay is a milestone in societal discourse. It is so frequently referred to that to all intents and purposes, much has been built on this work.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- mlake
- 25-08-20
The masterpiece of social science excellently narrated
This book is a must read for every one who try to understand the subject of population. Undoubtedly, a classic of economics and social science. Excellently narrated and delivered.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Richard
- 01-02-23
Old but good
This text gives a good foundation for understanding the ways in which our society operates from the viewpoint of someone in the past.
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