The term "dismal science" is often used to describe the field of economics. Coined by Thomas Carlyle in 1849, it reflects the perception of economics as a discipline that deals with harsh realities such as scarcity, trade-offs, and resource limitations.
There are primarily two explanations for this nickname. A common, albeit inaccurate, belief is that it is linked to Thomas Malthus’s gloomy predictions about population growth outpacing food supply, ultimately leading to famine and poverty. However, Carlyle’s use of the term was more a critique of the economists of his time who advocated for free markets and the abolition of slavery, which he saw as a threat to the social order.
In 1798, Thomas Malthus proposed that population growth occurs geometrically (1, 2, 4, 8...) while food production increases only arithmetically (1, 2, 3, 4...). This mismatch, he argued, would result in widespread poverty and famine. While Malthus’s theories were indeed pessimistic, the link to the term "dismal science" is largely retrospective.
The connection to Malthus is often overstated. Carlyle was reacting against liberal economists such as John Stuart Mill who championed individual freedom, market solutions, and the end of slavery.
Carlyle contrasted economics with what he called the "gay science," referring to the art of medieval troubadour poetry and song. Troubadours were poet-musicians who composed intricate verses about courtly love, chivalry, and noble ideals, performing for aristocratic audiences. Carlyle viewed this tradition as elevated and beautiful, in stark contrast to what he saw as the mechanical and soulless nature of economics.
Originating primarily from southern France during the 12th and 13th centuries, troubadours were renowned poet-composers who created sophisticated lyric poetry and music. They celebrated themes of courtly love and honor and performed in noble courts.
Today, many economists use the term "dismal science" humorously, recognizing that their field often presents unwelcome news about economic constraints and difficult choices. Carlyle’s original critique has inverted; now, the term is seen as a badge of analytical rigor rather than an attack on egalitarianism.
Despite its evolution, the term remains significant. While originally a critique of economic liberalism, it now symbolizes the discipline’s commitment to addressing economic realities and trade-offs head-on.
The evolution of this term highlights how language can endure while its meaning shifts. It underscores the rhetorical power of phrases that transcend generations, transforming from a criticism into an emblem of analytical honesty.
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