A cautionary tale with timeless lessons
Before diving into Isaac Asimov's Robot series, I decided to suspend my prior judgement of Frankenstein and give it a read. I'm glad I did! Like many, I thought I already knew what it was all about due to all the adaptations. To me, none compared to the source.
The book can be read on many levels. Both individual and societal lessons can be extracted. I enjoyed the multi-layered narrative and story within a story.
Living in the 21st century, Frankenstein's creation becomes less of a fiction and more and more a reality within reach. Are we giving enough thought to our own artificially intelligent creations? From AI to genetic engineering and even apps, Frankenstein will give the modern reader pause.
We can learn from Victor's mistake so that our own scientific and technological creations and inventions don't backfire and produce unintended consequences. In this respect, the story is still relevant today, two centuries later – perhaps even more so.
You are my creator, but I am your master;—obey!
On a personal level, there are many takeaways. The book reflects on the human condition and psyche. Leaves one in wonder that Mary Shelley was only 19 when she penned it!
I do wish that Shelley spent less time and ink on Victor bemoaning his wretchedness and recurring internal dialogue and more dialogue with his friend, Clerval, for instance, on his motivation to create a living being. Perhaps it's rectified in the 1831 edition, which I haven't yet read.
All in all, I consider it a must-read, especially for scientists and technologists.