In 1798, Malthus claimed that the population was growing much more rapidly than Earth's food supply because population increased geometrically, whereas food supply increased arithmetically.

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Malthus argued that population growth occurs geometrically (exponentially), while food supply can only increase arithmetically (linearly). Therefore, he believed that population growth would eventually outpace the available food supply, leading to famine, disease, and other catastrophes.

In 1798, Malthus Claimed That the Population Was Growing Much