"The power of population is indefinitely greater than the power of earth to produce subsistence for man. Population, when unchecked, increases in geometric ration. Subsistence increases only in arithmetical ratio. A slight acquaintance with numbers will show the immensity of the first power in comparison with the second." (Thomas Robert Malthus, 1766-1834)

Malthus used "The Rule of 70" in order to demonstrate that, if growth is measured annually, then a 1% growth rate results in a doubling of the population every 70 years; at 2% every 35 years. He further suggested that, if the growth rate continued at this rate the earth's population would, by November 26th, 2026, reach an infinite number. 2026 is only 16 years after the Vancouver Olympics. What a waste preparing for "owning the podium" that would be.

There are so many factors and aspects to contemplate here that it almost boggles the mind. Even at the present time the earth cannot provide enough food to feed the earth's population. The current economic system cannot afford to give food away. Some children are born to die. (period) All "farmed" animals are born to die. (period) AND, in the meantime, they are eating those kids' food.

When I was teaching, one day a student asked me, if animals can think. I had never thought about it at that point. I couldn't answer the question. Last night I watched a documentary where a neuroscientist at MIT demonstrated the remarkable cognitive ability of rats. I could, if confronted by that students question today, definitely answer the question. My contemporary dilemma is predicated on my concern with whether humans can think.