Conclusion

The concluding chapter draws together the similarities and differences. Both Godwin and Malthus were public intellectuals with a sense of mission. Both used empirical social science combined with conjecture and extrapolation to predict and even transform the future evolution of industrial society. Godwin looked forward to a stateless, near-egalitarian society without conspicuous consumption or rapid change. Malthus was concerned that the rising population, inadequate food and excessive saving might seriously impoverish the lower orders. Both Whigs, both with roots in Protestant Christianity, they made proposals to improve society and relieve the poor while not obliging the minimal state to take on new functions for which it was not suited.