“Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge. . . ”  The dying Frankenstein thus proclaims to posterity (Frankenstein 33).

        To many, the accumulation of knowledge is still the optimal form of education, through which the younger generation propels our civilization forward, giving promise to a better and brighter future. But powerful tools come with tremendous responsibilities. The peril of epistemic gluttony proves to bear heavier consequences than imagined, as the early life of Victor Frankenstein shows.  This website will explore the importance of knowledge the acquisition of knowledge and the price of knowledge, based on Chapters 2 and 3, Volume I from Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein.  

        The website will also look at the counterpart of knowledge - self-knowledge.  Ideally, self-knowledge plays a counteractive role to knowledge, preventing an indiscriminate appetite like that of Victor Frankenstein. But the balance is often disturbed, or worse, dislocated, and can result in a tragedy whose price can only be paid by human lives. 

        There may be no right answer, but at least there will be introspection, both intellectually and emotionally, unlike the compulsive, tunnel-visioned, knowledge-devouring Frankenstein. 


For the complete rationale, please click here.