Rachel Carson, (1907 - 1964) Quotes

The "control of nature" is a phrase conceived in arrogance, born of the Neanderthal age of biology and the convenience of man.

In every out-thrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand, there is the story of the earth.

I am always more interested in what I am about to do than in what I have already done.

All the people of a country have a direct interest in conservation... Wildlife, water, forests, grasslands -- all are a part of man's essential environment; the conservation and effective use of one is impossible except as the others are also conserved.

Beginnings are apt to be shadowy.

A child's world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood.

Until we have the courage to recognize cruelty for what it is--whether its victim is human or animal--we cannot expect things to be much better in this world... We cannot have peace among men whose hearts delight in killing any living creature. By every act that glorifies or even tolerates such moronic delight in killing we set back the progress of humanity. (Carson is author of The Silent Spring).

If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.

It occurred to me that if this were a sight that could be seen only once in a century, this little headland would be thronged with spectators.

Millions of stars blazed in darkness, and on the far shore a few lights burned in cottages. Otherwise there was no reminder of human life.