Abstract
In 1751 Benjamin Franklin wrote Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind which was published anonymously in 1755. It was so popular that it was republished 10 more times in the next 15 years. It influenced Adam Smith David Hume Lord Kames Richard Price Turgot and Malthus. The work contains contradictory messages about population. It clearly is pessimistic about large populations yet it praises and encourages rapid population growth in the colonies. Franklin blames many of the problems in Europe on overpopulation and asserts that as a species we have a capacity to reproduce far faster than our need for replacement. He also strongly felt that we could out grow our ability to sustain ourselves. At the same time he explicitly encourages early marriage large families and rapid population growth in the colonies. He did not seem to think a population doubling every 25 years would lead to trouble in the future. This situation has created multiple interpretations of the work. The work has been used by many different scholars to support positions both pro and con high fertility.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
