In Visionary Women: How Rachel Carson, Jane Jacobs, Jane Goodall, and Alice Waters Changed Our World, journalist Andrea Barnet focuses on four women who became famous in the 1960s for their work that changed our view in different fields. What do these four women have in common, you may ask? They did not know one another, and they live(d) in somewhat different times (R Carson (1907-1964), J Jacobs (1916-2006,), J Goodall (1934-), A Waters (1944-)). But in their spirit and thinking they overlap and are alike.
Each of them emphasized quality of life, the public good, and what is sensible and ethical. Jane Jacobs fought for livable cities and strong communities; Rachel Carson warned us about poisoning the environment; Jane Goodall demonstrated the indelible kinship between humans and animals; and Alice Waters urged us to reconsider what and how we eat.
This book promises to be a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in protecting our values and our world. Time will show whether they have truly transformed us.
