“It is quite obvious therefore, that the knowledge and prudence of the poor themselves, are absolutely the only means by which any general and permanent improvement in their condition can be effected. They are really the arbiters of their own destiny; and what others can do for themselves. These truths are so important to the happiness of the great mass of society, that every opportunity should be taken of repeating them.”

—  Thomas Robert Malthus, Principles of Political Economy

Book I, Chapter V, Of the Profits of Capital, Section III, p. 279
Principles of Political Economy (Second Edition 1836)

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Thomas Robert Malthus60
British political economist 1766–1834

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