Rachel Carson Silent Spring Summary

Rachel Carson argues persuasively in her book, Silent Spring, regarding the idea that “if humankind poisoned nature, nature would in turn poison humankind.” Silent Spring is a written narrative documenting the harmful effects pesticides have on the environment. However, this best-selling environmental science book published in 1962 is unlike any others. Getting the public’s attention rather than the scientific community was the intent of the book. For this reason, Carson inspired the modern environmental movement. In order to prove her argument, Carson started the book off with a doomsday scenario to get the reader’s attention. She continued with a list of pesticides and weed killers used, but further explained that DDT is the most powerful …show more content…
An argument can be made that just as many people would die from the diseases carried by insects as from DDT. According to The Atlantis News published in 2012, DDT use cut malaria cases from millions to a nominal amount in 1963, however, after the ban of the substance in 1964, the number rose again by half a million victims per year. Moreover, some disagree with Carson’s argument and believe that humans only owe a moral obligation to other human beings and that nature’s needs should take a back seat to human needs. In 1962 when the book was published, long-term effects had yet been determined. However, Carson vigorously argues that eventually a tolerance of the insects for the pesticides would be built up. Hence, the use of the poisonous chemicals would no longer be of use. Humans cause “needless havoc” according to Carson. Eventually, the ecosystem has a way of working itself out when given time. Although, when humans intervene, they declare war on nature …show more content…
She prompted revolutionary changes in the laws affecting our air, land, and water. In Silent Spring, Rachel Carson brought to light the hazards of the pesticide DDT, as well as other pesticides and chemical pollutants. The information was organized for the public to easily understand. In my opinion, Carson was brave to write her book. Many people have their own views; however, it is not always easy to have people to see things in a new perspective. I feel that although something may look good for the moment, you always have to look beyond the moment and contemplate the consequences. Your actions today may come back to haunt you tomorrow. Carson made the public, as well as the scientific world, think about this. Yes, pests needed controlled, but the human race should be the top priority. Therefore, all aspects need to be researched before aimlessly trying to solve an immediate problem. Because of her book, Carson initiated an environmental movement built on the concept “that if humankind poisoned nature, nature would in turn poison humankind.” Silent Spring is still relevant today. Her concern for the reverence of life reflected not only in her book, but in all that she fought for. Although chemical companies met Silent Spring with stern opposition, it spurred a reversal in national pesticide policy, which led to a nationwide ban on DDT and other

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