Rachel Carson, who was born 100 years ago this year in Springdale, PA planned on a writing career. She fell in love with the subject of biology in college and wound up making a lasting contribution by combining her avocations. She's perhaps best known for writing Silent Spring, which alerted the public and government agencies to the dangers of the wanton use of pesticides and other chemicals.
The book was controversial when it was published, as the affected industries tried to destroy Carson's credibility and her message. Interestingly, she'd written three books on the sea which were well received and had stamped her as one of the country's best popular science writers.
Sadly Carson died not long after Silent Spring was published; but she lived long enough to see her ideas inform and influence the public and government. To his credit, President Kennedy initiated a government study which backed Carson's findings and led to corrective legislation and safer practices.
Wish we now had a President who was influenced by science and not business interests or religious dogma.
Visit here to learn more about Rachel Carson and her work.
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