Who said “Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio.”?

Verified

Thomas Robert Malthus. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceAn Essay on The Principle of Population (First Edition 1798, unrevised), Chapter I, paragraph 18, lines 1-2

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“Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio.”
— Thomas Robert Malthus
VerifiedAn Essay on The Principle of Population (First Edition 1798, unrevised), Chapter I, paragraph 18, lines 1-2 · evidencePopulation
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: An Essay on The Principle of Population (First Edition 1798, unrevised), Chapter I, paragraph 18, lines 1-2.

APA

Malthus, T. R. (n.d.). Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33475-population-when-unchecked-increases-in-a-geometrical-ratio/

MLA

Malthus, Thomas Robert. “Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33475-population-when-unchecked-increases-in-a-geometrical-ratio/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Malthus, Thomas Robert. “Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33475-population-when-unchecked-increases-in-a-geometrical-ratio/.

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