Long-Term Energy Solutions: The Truth Behind the Silent Lie

Abstract

The article by Albert Bartlett causes me great concern. The suggestion that stopping population growth is necessary to address the problem of finite resources seems intellectually irresponsible. Bartlett cites the ideas of mathematician Robert Malthus as obvious truth, but dismisses economist Julian Simon as a “nonscientist,” even though Simon’s field of study is precisely concerned with the way humans manage scarce resources. Mathematicians and physicists may be very good at applying mathematical models to situations controlled by predictable forces, but they should show some deference to “nonscientists” who have more experience dealing with the intelligent actions of humans.Bartlett’s attitude toward human freedom and human life is most disturbing. While chastising physicists for not telling people the truth about the need for population control, Bartlett is careful not to spell out exactly what population control entails. How does he intend to prevent too many children from being born? Will he ask people to please have only as many children as he tells them? Undoubtedly, some force from outside families would need to control their growth. Most likely, the government would have to impose penalties on individuals who have more than the allotted number of children. The idea of such a restriction on our freedom should make good Americans sick to the stomach.Would Bartlett have the government throw the parents of “extra” children in jail? Should they pay a fine, so that the rich will pay money and the poor will pay Bartlett’s inhumane cost? Perhaps the US should follow the lead of nations like China, where women have been forced to have abortions. Or maybe it should leave the children alone but kill the parents.I suggest that consideration of the need for population control is more related to economics than to physics. In truth, however, it ranges even beyond that field: It calls into question the moral beauty of human life and the importance of human freedom. Let us keep this in mind as we ponder the wisdom of a vague notion of population control.© 2004 American Institute of Physics.