I consider my contributions to scientific fact far less important than my attempts to awaken an emotional response to the world of nature.
In plain words
Sparking wonder about nature matters more than just listing facts.
Where these words come from
- 55% sureLots of sources credit Rachel Carson with this, and they agree with each other. The book or the speech it first came from hasn't turned up yet.
- Personal letter, circa 1957 (dated by the citing source, likely collected in Always, Rachel: The Letters of Rachel Carson and Dorothy Freeman). Quoted verbatim by a literary essay that dates the letter; not independently confirmed, so held at likely.
- personal letter to Dorothy Freeman
- 1957 · private correspondence, quoted in a literary essay
More from Rachel Carson
See allThose who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.
Rachel CarsonWonder and humility are wholesome emotions, and they do not exist side by side with a lust for destruction.Rachel CarsonThe aim of science is to discover and illuminate truth.Rachel CarsonEvery mystery solved brings us to the threshold of a greater one.Rachel CarsonI sincerely believe that for the child, and for the parent seeking to guide him, it is not half so important to know as to feel.Rachel CarsonScience is part of the reality of living; it is the what, the how, and the why of everything in our experience.Rachel Carson
Rachel CarsonWonder and humility are wholesome emotions, and they do not exist side by side with a lust for destruction.Rachel CarsonThe aim of science is to discover and illuminate truth.Rachel CarsonEvery mystery solved brings us to the threshold of a greater one.Rachel CarsonI sincerely believe that for the child, and for the parent seeking to guide him, it is not half so important to know as to feel.Rachel CarsonScience is part of the reality of living; it is the what, the how, and the why of everything in our experience.Rachel CarsonMore on wisdom
In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
Sun TzuThe wound is the place where the light enters you.
RumiYou have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus AureliusAn unexamined life is not worth living.
SocratesWonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.
Plato
Sun TzuThe wound is the place where the light enters you.RumiYou have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus AureliusAn unexamined life is not worth living.SocratesWonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.Plato