Many of the ideas presented in Mary Shelly's Frankenstein are fascinating when thought about. She had many things to say about the purpose of life as well as other important aspects of humans and the choices we make in our life. One of my favorite quotes, said by Victor Frankenstein in chapter 4, states
"When I found so astonishing a power placed within my hands, I hesitated a long time concerning the manner in which I should employ it."
Victor says this right after his new discovery of the ability (power) to create life. While he said in a way which was contemplating what his next step should be, which was to create the monster, we can apply it to anything else, including our own lives. When we gain a form of power how will we use it? Will we use it to benefit others, or just for ourselves? Many people "hesitate" to act upon the power given them, rather than act upon it. Do you think this is harmful to people or beneficial to them? Overall it depends on the manner in which we use our power.
Chad L.
I think this idea of taking something, an idea, object, or otherwise, that could be of use to us but also to the world and thinking of its impacts is a real struggle for all of mankind. It reminds me of the conflict of a flower on the road. If you see a flower on the side of the path and it is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen, so you pick it so that you can continue to enjoy it, or do you leave it so that more people who come by can enjoy it also? In the end I do not think there is a right or wrong answer. The decision should only reflect the sentiment of bring the most joy possible to many people while not hurting as many people as possible at the same time. Derek B.
ReplyDeleteI really like the flower on the road analogy Derek :) i'll have to use that one sometime. But i agree with you. It should be employed to first harm nobody and then cause the most satisfaction to the most people possible. It can go either way, depending on the person and circumstances. Power, however, when given to people, often causes problems because of selfishness and/or a lack of accepting responsibility. Greed also affects the persons choice, choosing what will give the most satisfaction to themselves, such as picking the flower. When intended solely for one's self though it becomes destructive or worthless. Picking the flower will cause it to die much sooner.
ReplyDeleteChad L.
The problem is that we don't think when confronted with power, we just act, and often selfishly. The world would be a much better place if everyone considered the interests of humankind in the eyes of power.
ReplyDeleteYour comments above illustrate the problems of communism. In theory it is good and harmless; however, in practice it is impossible to eliminate human greed from the equation. I believe the ultimate demonstration of strength is being able to disregard one's interests completely and act with compassion and love.
~Vanessa S.