The Grounds of an Opinion on the Policy of Restricting the Importation of Foreign Corn / Intended as an appendix to "Observations on the corn laws"

Name: The Grounds of an Opinion on the Policy of Restricting the Importation of Foreign Corn / Intended as an appendix to "Observations on the corn laws"
Author: T. R. Malthus

By T. R. Malthus

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Economics History - British History - Modern (1750+)Politics Sociology

About This Book

The writer offers a measured argument in favor of restricting imports of foreign corn, explaining that recent parliamentary evidence, improved exchange conditions, and new foreign export laws indicate that prolonged low prices will undermine agricultural investment. He argues that falling grain prices have already curtailed improvements, reduced cultivation, and caused substantial losses of farming capital, which translate into national economic harm. Concluding that any decision involves trade-offs, he recommends protective measures to preserve agricultural capital, sustain productive capacity, and avert long-term damage to the country's supply and wealth.

About the Author

T. R. Malthus

Thomas Robert Malthus (1766-1834) was an English cleric and scholar, best known for his influential theories on population growth and its implications for society. His seminal work, "An Essay on the Principle of Population," published in 1798, argued that population growth would inevitably outpace food production, leading to widespread famine and societal challenges. Malthus's ideas sparked significant debate and laid the groundwork for modern demography and economics. He also contributed to political economy with works such as "An Inquiry into the Nature and Progress of Rent" and "Definitions in Political Economy." His insights continue to resonate in discussions about sustainability and resource management.