In Times of Triumph, Times of Doubt by Elof Carlson

In Times of Triumph, Times of Doubt, Elof Carlson attempts to strike a compromise between the two views on Carson’s environmental concerns. One segment of society argues that man holds dominion over nature. Nature is to be tamed and used to satisfy societal needs. Chemists look at nature as a resource and attempt to control it for the benefit of society. Proponents of this view, readily clear-cut forests, dam rivers, over-fish oceans and rivers, pollute waters, gouge the earth for ores, focus on burning fossil fuels, and shoot and trap animals for sport. All of these activities claim benefits to society. Opposed to this view is the one that was publicized by Rachel Carson. She believed that nature and man exist in a mutually beneficial relationship. This view holds that science be used not only to benefit society, but also to act as a steward to protect and respect the natural world. The conservation movement resulted from this and view that parts of nature should be protected from over-commercialization by science and industry. The ethical use of natural resources must be balanced with the needs of society supplied by science and technology. Carlson notes this view is championed by Native Americans in their religious traditions and the efforts of others like Henry David Thoreau, John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt. (pages 117-118)