In the days, months, and – God help us – perhaps even years to come, those of living in the United States are likely to see a rejection of science at the highest levels of government, in some of the most visible media outlets, and amongst not insignificant segments of the citizenry. Superstition will replace reason, opinion will replace facts, self-interest and greed will replace cooperation. It will in all likelihood be a new dark age. Which is why it is so vitally important for those of us who believe in the importance of scientific endeavors to do all we can – whether we be professionals or amateurs – to keep the flame of inquiry alive.
Of course, as with any great endeavor, no single one of us can do it alone; nor can any one of us be allowed to think – however physically isolated we may be – that we are alone in our work. We need to know that others with similar motivations to ourselves, are tirelessly also striving in the pursuit of something far greater than ourselves, helping in whatever way we can in whatever field we can, to keep the search for knowledge and understanding – and perhaps even some species themselves – alive.
Therefore it is of vital importance that such books as Mary Ellen Hannibal’s Citizen Scientist; Searching for Heroes and Hope in an Age of Extinction be read by all of us who will continue the struggle against the darkness of ignorance that has the potential to wreak so much havoc upon the planet. For in knowing that we are not alone, we may find the strength to continue feeling our way through the darkness until the light once again begins to shine upon all.
