Frankenstein: the Horror Lives Today
             Nearly two hundred years ago, a novel was published that poses the same question society is still struggling to answer today: Should scientists consider the moral and ethical consequences before moving forward with scientific advancements? The horror of Frankenstein tells the story of what can happen when the ethical aspect of science is overlooked. Even today, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein offers valuable insight on the moral side of scientific development.
             Victor Frankenstein is a brilliant young scientist with an incredible thirst for knowledge. His intense studies lead him to the astonishing discovery that he has both the knowledge and the power to create life in the nonliving. Frankenstein reminisces of his discovery:
             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...I doubted at first whether I should attempt the creation of a being like myself, or one of simpler organization; but my imagination was too much exalted by my first success to permit me to doubt my ability to give life to an animal as complex and wonderful as man. (Shelley 38)
             The fateful flaw in Frankenstein's decision lies in the simple fact that he stopped only to think about whether or not he was capable of performing such a feat, but failed to consider whether performing such an experiment would be wise. He is so captivated by his miraculous discovery that he is more concerned with how great his experiment will be than with the consequences of his actions. This very same situation occurs today. Every day, modern scientists make discoveries that have the potential to change the world, and in the excitement of these discoveries, scientists can easily forget to consider the moral aspect. The story that follows Frankenstein's experiment is a terrifying testament to why scientists should carefully consider whether ...