Rachel
Carson
Little did I know back in
the 5th grade when I was Rachel Carson in my Herstory Parade that her spirit
would be with me throughout my life. Unlike Rachel, I discovered science
first and became an environmental scientist and marine biologist. It is
only recently that I have gained confidence in my writing and that I know now
that I am to continue her work.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes of
hers:
"Those
who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the
earth are never alone or weary of life."
"If I had
influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of
all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense
of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life."
"If a
child is to keep alive 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."
"The human race is challenged more
than ever to demonstrate our mastery - not over nature but of
ourselves."
"One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, 'What if I had
never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it
again?'"
"In an age when man has forgotten his origins and is blind to
even his most essential needs for survival, water along with other
resources has become victim to his indifference."
"No one can write
truthfully about the sea and leave out the poetry."
Here are some links
to websites about Rachel Carson:
A Sense of Wonder Movie
May
27th is Rachel Carson Day
One
Woman Show about Rachel Carson
The Life and Legacy of Rachel
Carson
U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service page on Rachel Carson