As a teenager, the future vice president and his sister read and talked about Silent Spring. A happy and vivid memory, Al Gore recalled. Rachel Carson's picture hangs in his office and her example inspired Gore to write Earth in the Balance.{2} It is one of the most extraordinary books by any democratic politician seeking high elective office, for it constitutes an attack on Western civilisation and a fundamental rejection of two of its greatest accomplishments – the Industrial and Scientific Revolutions.
During his teenage years, Al Gore and his sister were deeply influenced by Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," which Gore reminisces as a joyful and impactful experience. Her legacy has left such a mark on him that he keeps her picture in his office, showcasing her significant role in motivating him to author "Earth in the Balance." This book stands out as a remarkable piece of work by a prominent Democratic politician, reflecting his environmental concerns.
However, "Earth in the Balance" does more than advocate for the environment; it critically challenges the foundations of Western civilization, specifically the advancements brought about by the Industrial and Scientific Revolutions. As highlighted in Rupert Darwall's "The Age of Global Warming: A History," Gore’s approach exemplifies a contentious viewpoint that questions the benefits of modern progress in light of ecological consequences.
