Before her book Silent Spring was published in 1962, Rachel Carson knew it would be controversial. Carson had written about how the reckless use of pesticides was contaminating the natural environment and slowly poisoning living things. She knew her claims would surprise "99 out of 100 people." Many people, especially those in the chemical industry, would undoubtedly feel threatened by her book. She knew these people would attack her and try to discredit her writing, but this did not stop her. Carson believed in her book. She wanted to let the public know the facts about pesticides and she hoped it would lead to stricter environmental laws.

Carson had no idea just how popular and influential her book would become. Soon after Silent Spring was published, even the president, John F. Kennedy, knew about it.