Great Books Ep 91. Euripides - Orestes. Population: Too Many or Too Few?

In the past people feared overpopulation. But now, in spite of low child mortality and innovative techniques to give birth, more and more nations are facing population decline every year.

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“for the gods by means of Helen's loveliness embroiled Troy and Hellas, causing death thereby, that they might lighten mother Earth of the outrage done her by man’s excessive population.”

~ ‘Orestes’ by Euripides (Edward P. Coleridge translation. GB5 - p. 410)

Brief Summary

The play starts with a monologue from Electra, who …