The Legacy of Carson’s Silent Spring
1962 found the country in a dichotomous position. Scientific advancements afforded a new sense of hopefulness where man would be able to reap great benefit from the natural world through chemistry, through agricultural prowess, and through the eradication of pests that had been the bane of farmers for centuries. But for many biologists like Rachel Carson, the progress of modernity was not without concerns. A simple letter from a woman at a bird sanctuary would lead the author into an area of research that would eventually lead to the publishing of her seminal work Silent Spring. The woman had become concerned when discovering scores of dead birds following a DDT spraying event. The resulting book became the catalyst for the modern eco-movement and even prompted President John F. Kennedy to form a special group to investigate her claims. In fact, many historians suggest that the “American environmental movement began on 16 June 1962, the date of the New Yorker magazine that contained the first three excerpts of Rachel Carson’s new book, Silent Spring” (Stoll).
Following the book’s publishing, Carson was called to testify before congress. Undoubtedly, Carson was attacked by a chemical industry who vilified her as the personification of evil that stood in the way of technological progress. Yet, by ringing the alarm bell, the author was able to promote a much-needed discussion that eventually led to the formation of the EPA and towards a more natural balance in our stewardship of the world she desired.
Sadly, Carson would not live to see her dream realized. She was diagnosed with breast cancer half-way through her research and writing of the book. She died in 1964 at age fifty-six. Carson lives on through the literary echo that remains timeless, and even more relevant in today’s increasingly technological society.
Works Cited
Stoll, Mark. “RACHEL CARSON'S SILENT SPRING, A BOOK THAT CHANGED THE WORLD.” Silent Spring - Exhibition Overview | Environment &Amp; Society Portal, Environment &Amp; Society Portal, 2012, www.environmentandsociety.org/exhibitions/silent-spring/overview
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