Modern Transcendentalist- Rachel Carson

            When you think of modern transcendentalists, Rachel Carson probably is not the first person that comes to mind.  But when you look at her closely, she exemplifies the traits of a transcendentalist in the work that she did over her lifetime.

            Rachel Carson’s work shows her appreciation for nature.  She was a marine biologist and conservationist who wrote the book Silent Spring, which discussed the problems of the chemical DDT and its effects on the environment.  The chemical companies fiercely opposed it in the 1950’s, but it led to the eventual ban of DDT because of its harmful effect as it spread up the food chain. 

            Carson also fit into the transcendentalist mold by being a non-conformist.  She stood up for what her research said, especially to the chemical companies that constantly ridiculed her for her ideas to ban DDT.  She also showed that she was not a conformist in her personal life.  She was the main breadwinner for her family, supporting her sisters, mother, and cousin.  This was very unusual for a woman to be the head of the household in the 1950’s.

            Rachel Carson’s intuition was vital to the field of science, especially to conservation research. Carson conducted research that was critical to the field of conservation and the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment.  Her findings, along with her book, led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  After her death, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Jimmy Carter, the highest civilian award in the United States.