Search for Knowledge

"Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow" (Shelley, 38)

He speaks of limiting his mind and dreams. This may be a statement made in retrospect through regret, but he may not have achieved scientific landmarks like he did if he did not seek out knowledge. The quote seems to touch on the thought of pride though, that staying in a native town and being content is safer than becoming so great to think one is greater than his town and the world and is possible of anything. Frankenstein gives warning of the dangers of pride but also of defying nature and the order of things.