“Man,” I cried, “how ignorant art thou in thy pride of wisdom.”
– Victor Frankenstein
English author and playwright, Mary Shelley, was born on this day in 1797 (died 1851).
I confess, I’ve never read Frankenstein. But I think we all know that the story is generally a story of “I didn’t mean for it to happen that way.”
While never having read the novel, I tip my hat (well, if I wore one) to the genius that inspired even more genius in the creation of Young Frankenstein.
I’m generally not a big fan of horror stories. At least not beyond the above mentioned Young Frankenstein and perhaps an annual or semi-annual viewing of Little Shop of Horrors and/or The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
It’s just a jump to the left.
I digress, and rarely, if ever, jump to the left.
Yes, I put Frankenstein on my “to read” list. Less from the aspect that I might enjoy it, I indeed may. But more to see how other authors craft their stories.
Back to the story, the arrogance of thinking one could create life is almost like someone saying “I’m the only one who can make this country great again.”
Oh, snap. He went there.
Sorry. Not sorry.
I’m all about believing in dreams. I’m all about people attempting to achieve the impossible.
That’s how countries are discovered, or Olympic medals are won, or diseases cured, or mountains climbed.
Someone initially believed that it could be done.
It’s just that sometimes “impossible dreams” turn out to be nightmares.
There’s a fine line between having the confidence and drive to do something versus being arrogant enough to think that you can’t fail or that nothing can go wrong.
And it’s not just about the re-animation of life…or presidential campaigns…oops…went there again.
Dreams and goals are important.
Nightmares make good literature, but not great reality.
On a very sad side note, while I was writing this yesterday I heard the news that Gene Wilder had passed away at the age of 83. True comic genius. And I know I need to go watch Young Frankenstein, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and Blazing Saddles again…to name a few.