Marjie Thornton's story about Silent Spring
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Author: Rachel Carson
SynopsisNow recognized as one of the most influential books of the twentieth century, 'Silent Spring' exposed the destruction of wildlife through the widespread use of pesticides. Despite condemnation in the press and heavy-handed attempts by the chemical industry to ban the book, Rachel Carson succeeded in creating a new public awareness of the environment which led to changes in government and inspired the ecological movement.
My Story
Somewhere in Scotland in 1963/64, I was in Primary 7 in preparation for moving on to Secondary School when our headmaster, Mr James Liddell, took out a membership of the World Wildlife Fund for the school, or at least, the Primary 7 class. We all got badges - in those days the symbol was a Springbok not a Panda as it is today. He also recommended that we read 'Silent Spring', and as the man was an authoritarian figure, I duly did, although not at the time. He obviously believed that nothing was beyond enthusiastic 11 year olds!
I can't say that I enjoyed the book as it makes for very distressing reading but it did make me a very keen environmentalist and opened my eyes to the dreadful things we do to our earth in the name of profit.
Whenever I see a copy of the book I buy it - there are quite a few editions that I have come across and I treasure them all.
A big thank you must go to my headmaster for opening my mind to the wonders of nature and Rachel Carson for her dedication to Albert Schweitzer who said 'Man has lost the capacity to foresee and forestall. He will end by destroying the earth.' Please let's take that message on board before it's too late..................
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