Note 253-3 — Chapter III

Compare J. Harrington (ob. 1677), Prerogative of a popular Government, I, ch. II; Sir J. Stewart, Principles, I, ch. 18; Malthus, Principle of Population, IV, ch. 1; McCulloch very happily shows how seldom those who can live comfortably without it are extraordinarily active. The Malthusian law prevents this ever becoming the condition of the majority. Precisely during those years that man is most capable of labor, there is a prospect of a great increase of outlay, in case one does not remain single, which would inevitably degrade every one, a few over-rich excepted, who had not taken care to provide for a corresponding increase of income. Were it not for this, human progress would become slower and slower, for the reason that the dura necessitas would be felt less and less.