Analysis Of Thomas Malthus

Economists: the Most Misunderstood Pessimist, Thomas Malthus

In New Ideas from Dead Economists, Todd G. Buchholz provides a detailed glimpse at the past generations economists and how their principles and theories have and still are affecting our growing world. According to Alfred L. Malabre, Jr., Buchholz, an internationally renowned economist provides a “well-written guide to the still living ideas” of the most influential economists that “fashioned our prosperity” (Buchholz, 3). Thomas Malthus is known for his pessimistic economic theory concerning human population growth in conjunction with the worlds food supply.

Economics as stated in the introduction is “the study of choice.” Economics does not tell us what to choose or how to choose it, only the consequences of our choices. Over the centuries, economists have always been labeled negatively for their theories that state successes doesn’t occur without sacrifices. Economists are though to be the source of disappointment, but on the contrary are trying to better the world (Buchholz, 17).

Economics has been evident in politics. According to Buchholz the “strongest link between economics and

At a young age Malthus was a trendsetter who showed signs of great intelligence. Growing up knowing philosophers David Hume and Jean-Jacques Rousseau began to shape the young mind of Malthus for great things. At the age of 18 he began his studies at Jesus College, Cambridge where he studied for the clergy. While focusing on school, he remained involved in his reading of mathematics and philosophy. Malthus was a very dedicated person; he was able to win awards for speeches in Greek, Latin, and English with a speech defect that resulted from a cleft plate (Buchholz, 45). Malthus was a brilliant soul, who combined his knowledge and dedication with an innovative thought process to create the controversial population growth