CHAPTER XI
CONCLUSIONS AS TO POPULATION INCREASE
WE have already, in Chapter VI, given some slight
indication of the significance of the population-question.
Owing to the imperfections and inadequacies of existing
statistics, we cannot fix the population-limits with any
precision, and we have shown that it is dependent
largely upon factors at our disposal, viz., our economic
and ethical advance, and the standard-of-living which
we are prepared to accept. What has appeared in
regard to the significance of rates has shown us that,
even if the “ unspecified ” area of the world’s surface
should turn out to be “ productive,” the issues are not
materially altered. The shadow is not lifted. We
may now revert to what has been established in the
preceding pages, and ask, “ What are the conclusions
to be drawn in regard to the problems of the world’s
future?” “Is there really a population menace, con-
stituting the Shadow of the World’s Future? ”
The rate, at which Man has increased for more than
a century, informs us that we have unquestionably
entered upon a new era. That rate will probably not
diminish except through the arrival of * unforeseen
troublous times. Of itself, the rate will create
enormous difficulties, for mankind has not yet become
an economic unity, nor has it yet learnt to regard
issues from the standpoint of the good of the whole.
The time available for all necessary adjustments is so
short that Man’s immediate task is indeed a very heavy
one, and it is inescapable. History reveals, however,
that the building up of the character of a people is a
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