Animal Quotes
Men, like animals, naturally multiply in proportion to the means of their subsistence.
"Men, like animals, naturally multiply in proportion to the means of their subsistence."— Adam Smith
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Meaning of this quote
The passage expresses Smith's historical view that subsistence limits population growth, rather than a complete modern demographic explanation.
Key takeaway:
Read historical population claims alongside their assumptions and context.
Origin of the quote
The Wealth of Nations (1776)
Who actually said this?
The source begins “As men, like all other animals”; supplied version is shortened.
Source:
The Wealth of Nations (1776)
