An Ode to Rachel Carson

“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” – Rachel Carson

                                               The Rachel Carson Memorial at WHOI

            Next week we will begin our curious journey into the world of science and I am so excited to share what I’ve learned with you. Before we begin, however, I want to take a moment to discuss the power of this wonderful community we are developing.

            You know, there’s an old saying that knowledge is power and sharing in a community like this is certainly empowering. In fact by asking questions about our world and seeking out the answers we can become informed citizens who can make informed decisions, and there are few things more powerful than that!  

            In speaking about the power of an informed community, there is one woman who comes to mind. Her story is an enchanting example of the beautiful things that can happen when we seek out knowledge and then share what we’ve learn with one another. Today, I would like to share her story with you.  I hope it will inspire you and empower you as we learn and grow together.

           

The Power of Persistence:     

            In 1962 something extraordinary happened. Rachel Carson, a scientist and one of the very first science writers, released her book Silent Spring.  While this was not Carson’s first book, it was certainly her most controversial and, perhaps, her most important. A poignant look at the consequences of pesticides Silent Spring has been termed “the classic that launched the environmental movement.”

            Even if you’ve never heard of Rachel Carson, you’ve certainly felt the impact of her work. Born in 1907 near Springdale Pennsylvania Carson became interested in science at a young age. She followed her passion, attending the Pennsylvania College for Women or what is now known as Chatham University in 1929, followed by time at Johns Hopkins University where she received her Master’s degree in 1932. She is also well known for her work at the Woods Hole Biological Laboratory in Massachusetts.

            Carson was a skilled writer and researcher but she struggled to secure a job in the sciences since women were not generally hired into such positions at that time. Using her writing skills, Carson eventually secured a job with the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries writing radio scripts. Her ability to communicate the sciences clearly and accurately became evident and she was eventually asked to write articles on nature for the Baltimore Sun.  Her careers in science and writing were flourishing, but her time at Woods Hole always stuck with her. Inspired by her continued research of the sea Carson wrote her first few books Under the Sea-Wind, The Sea Around Us and The Edge of the Sea.

            After the end of World War II, however, Carson became concerned with the impact of the synthetic chemicals and pesticides that had become ever present. She decided to share her research and concerns through the book Silent Spring. The book created a great deal of controversy, leaving Carson to fight for her cause against some of the biggest chemical companies in the world. She never backed down, however, and in 1963 while battling breast cancer, Carson testified before Congress regarding the need for environmental protection initiatives. Though she died from cancer in 1964, Carson’s work had a huge impact on the environmental movement. Her ability to communicate also opened the door for science writing as many saw the importance of communicating science to the masses.

A Lesson From Rachel:

            As we begin our curious journey, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on Carson’s work and the important role of community in the sciences.  She not only opened the door for women in the sciences, but she also opened the door for the conversations we are about to have on this blog.  She also taught us that humans have the ability to influence nature and that with such power comes great responsibility. As she said in Silent Spring, “The history of life on earth has been a history of interaction between living things and their surroundings… only within the moment of time represented by the present century has one species-man- acquired significant power over the nature of this world.”

            So, as we engage with our curious communities, I ask you to remember that you have significant power over the nature of the world. When you choose a reusable mug or soap free of microbeads, you are exercising your power. When you engage with the curious community and then share what you’ve learned with your friends and family you are exercising your power.  You are powerful my curious friend. So, I invite you to join us next week as we begin our curious journey and learn how to harness our power for good.

Want to Learn More about Rachel Carson?

For children I recommend reading Rachel Carson and Her book that Changed the World by Laurie Lawlor Illustrated by Laura Beingessner

This book tells the story of Carson’s life in a simple, yet beautiful way.

Teens and Adults will enjoy any of Carson’s works, which are available online through several different sellers. While Silent Spring is a must, I also recommend Under the Sea-Wind for those who love the ocean as much as I do.

Only have a few minutes to learn about Carson? Check out Rachelcarson.org which was created by Linda Lear, a biographer and historian who wrote an award-winning biography on Carson.