It was very different when the masters of science sought immortality and power; such views, although futile, were grand: but now the scene was changed. The ambition of the inquirer seemed to limit itself to the annihilation of those visions on which my interest in science was chiefly founded. I was required to exchange chimeras of boundless grandeur for realities of little worth.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the shifting ambitions in science, from seeking grand ideals to confronting mundane realities.
In this quote, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley discusses the transition in the aspirations of scientists from a grand pursuit of immortality and power to a more practical approach which seems to lack vision and grandeur. This shift brings forth a sense of disappointment as the profound dreams that once inspired the scientific inquiry are being replaced by mundane realities that do not hold the same value or excitement.
In practice
This quote could be used in a lecture about the evolving motivations in scientific research.
Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of a void, but out of chaos; the materials must in the first place be afforded; it can give form to dark, shapeless substances, but cannot bring into being the substance itself.
The instructor can scarcely give sensibility where it is essentially wanting, nor talent to the unpercipient block. But he can cultivate and direct the affections of the pupil, who puts forth, as a parasite, tendrils by which to cling, not knowing to what - to a supporter or a destroyer.
What terrified me will terrify others; and I need only describe the spectre which had haunted my midnight pillow.
I shall commit my thoughts to paper, it is true; but that is a poor medium for the communication of feeling. I desire the company of a man who could sympathize with me, whose eyes would reply to mine.
Heavy misfortunes have befallen us, but let us only cling closer to what remains, and transfer our love for those whom we have lost to those who yet live. Our circle will be small, but bound close by the ties of affection and mutual misfortune. And when time shall have softened your despair, new and dear objects of care will be born to replace those of whom we have been so cruelly deprived.
Hateful day when I received life!' I exclaimed in agony. 'Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemlance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorred.' - Frankenstein
One man's justice is another's injustice; one man's beauty another's ugliness; one man's wisdom anpther's folly.
Doubt is part of all religion. All the religious thinkers were doubters.
Facts are all accidents. They all might have been different. They all may become different. They all may collapse altogether.
Cruelty hardens and degrades, kindness reforms and ennobles.
It is true that classical libertarian thought is opposed to state intervention in social life, as a consequence of deeper assumptions about the human need for liberty, diversity, and free association.
Without self knowledge, without understanding the working and functions of his machine, man cannot be free, he cannot govern himself and he will always remain a slave.
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