The Obligation to Endure is the second chapter from the book Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Carson presents the persuasive argument that pesticides such as DDT should be kept away from our homes, our place of business, and our children. In the 1950s and 60s DDT was a very popular pesticide that was commonly used. The hazardous effects were unknown. Carson expresses her founded concerns about the adverse risks and toxicity associated with these pesticides using logical, emotional, and ethical appeal. This is demonstrated in the quote, “ Can anyone believe it is possible to lay down such a barrage of poisons on the surfaces of the earth without making it unfit for life?” Carson’s impassioned argumentative essay was composed as a warning to the human race. Poison was being slathered all over the earth’s surface. An invasion of life-threatening chemicals have the potential to mutate the healthy progression of future generations and their health. Carson suggests that insecticides developed to rid us of annoying bugs and insects and assist in the …show more content…
The challenges will be caused from the inability of mankind to logically think on a broad spectrum about the devastating effects of using a mass produced pesticide on the sacred earth. Carson says, “ Future historians may well be amazed by our distorted sense of proportion. How could intelligent begins seek to control a few unwanted species by a method that contaminated the entire environment and brought the threat of disease and death even to their own kind? Yet this is exactly what we have done.” Carson also logically relates statistical evidence when she says, “ 500 new chemicals which the bodies of men and animals are required somehow to adapt each year, chemicals totally outside the limits of biologic experience.