Note 415 — Chapter I · : SISMONDI AND THE ORIGINS OF THE CRITICAL SCHOOL

It is true that Sismondi wished to get rid of the practice of producing corn for a market, so as to free the nation’s food from the fluctuations of that market. Neither is he over-enthusiastic in his praise of the gross produce. He recognises that the gradual growth of the gross produce might, in its way, be the consequence of a state of suffering if population were to progress too rapidly (Nouveaux Principes, vol. i, p. 153). This shows what a hesitating mind we are dealing with.