The first business of philosophy is to account for things as they…

The love of independence is a sentiment that surely none would wish to see erased from the breast of man, though the parish law of England, it must be confessed, is a system of all others the most calculated gradually to weaken this …

The transfer of three shillings and sixpence a day to every labourer would not increase the quantity of meat in the country. There is not at present enough for all to have a decent share. What would then be the consequence?

It is an acknowledged truth in philosophy that a just theory will always be confirmed by experiment.

Population, when unchecked, increases in a geometrical ratio, Subsistence, increases only in an arithmetical ratio.

To remedy the frequent distresses of the common people, the poor laws of England have been instituted; but it is to be feared that though they may have alleviated a little the intensity of individual misfortune, they have spread the …

I feel no doubt whatever that the parish laws of England have contributed to raise the price of provisions and to lower the real price of labour.