11: Extinction of passion between the sexes

One proposed answer to the problem of overpopulation is to suppress or eliminate the passion between the sexes - casual indulgence in sensual pleasure leads to an unintentional increase in population, and if this were curtailed, the population would not expand and resources would remain sufficient.

Malthus counters that this is completely impractical idea: there never has been any indication that passion between the sexes could be suppressed on a societal level, nor any historical evidence of a culture in which much restraint was exercised. Neither religion or intellectualism has overcome the "power" of attraction, though it has been attempted for thousands of years.

And nor should passion be discouraged, but likely moderated: just as the appetite for food can be unhealthy if overindulged or underserved, so can too much or too little passion be unhealthy.

The institution of marriage, the social disgrace of childbirth outside of that state, and the general principle of law to hold a parent responsible for the support of the children they bring into the world are generally effective in making people pause to consider the consequences of their actions, but accidents do happen, and this is inevitable.

Ultimately, the notion that passion can be extinguished is "mere conjecture, unsupported by the smallest shadow of proof.'

(EN: Malthus has much more to say on the subject, refuting some theorists' points about sexuality and contributing his own perspective, but the point in regard to economic is well made and seems to need no further elaboration.)