Content Biographer Mark Hamilton Lytle writes that Carson "quite self-consciously decided to write a book calling into question the paradigm of scientific progress that defined post-war American culture." The overriding theme of Silent Spring is the powerful—and often adverse—effect humans have on the natural world.
conteNt bIogRAPher MArK hAMiltoN lYTLe writes thAt carson "quiTe Self-COnsciouslY DecIdeD to writE a BoOK caLling into QueStion thE pAradigm of scIenTific progresS tHaT DefiNed pOsT-waR amerIcAn CulTure." thE overriDiNg theme of silEnt Spring Is tHe PowerfuL—anD oftEN AdVeRsE—Effect huMans haVe On The NatuRal wOrlD.