Creating living organisms is one of the complex tasks that some scientists have been trying to accomplish over the years. Scientists have gone beyond inventing new technology and mechanisms that would support humankind’s life to create living creatures directly. The book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley narrates the story of a highly skilled scientist Victor Frankenstein who pursues his dream of making a living creature. Despite being successful in giving life to the creature, it turns into an unpleasant being which is not desired result and ends up being rejected by Victor. The creature, therefore, starts to seek vengeance through terror and murder. The story portrays the limitations of human beings in creating living creatures and that only God is perfect in making such beings. The book is a cautionary tale that warns society against the dangers of scientific ambitions by playing God and the significance of being responsible for our actions. This article discusses the main themes portrayed, which include the dangers of playing God, the repercussions of isolation and individualism, the pursuit of knowledge, and the creator’s responsibilities towards the created.
Frankenstein is obsessed with his scientific ambition and assumes the role of God in creating his creature. There should be limits in knowing the true nature of things that God has once presided (Bartlett). Frankenstein wants to create life, a role that only God can execute. Frankenstein says, ‘’I have described myself as always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature… Sir Isaac Newton is said to have avowed that he felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and unexplored ocean of truth.’’ The quote shows how Frankenstein was obsessed with the dangerous knowledge that he was ready to pursue. The scientist suffers the consequences and repercussions of his creation as it causes death and difficulties to some of his closest relatives. One of the ill consequences is the murder of his brother, William, who was killed by the monster. The monster haunts Frankenstein wherever he goes, even in the mountains where he lives alone. The monster admits to killing William to injure Frankenstein since he had abandoned it. The monster persuades his creator to create a female monster to be a companion to the lonely male monster. Later, the scientist is arrested and accused of the murder of his friend Henry Clieval who the beast killed.
Moreover, on the wedding day night, the monster kills Frankenstein’s bride, Elizabeth. His father dies after Frankenstein discloses the news of the death of his bride to him. Afterward, Frankenstein dies in his pursuit to kill the monster. Through these events, we learn how the knowledge Frankenstein was so obsessed with rewards him with negativities instead of being helpful to him.
Isolation and individualism are other themes in the book that have been used to show the dangers of isolation and individualism. Individualism in integrating and incorporating knowledge of some phenomena that is insufficient, and one must consider the social norms. Even though anti-individualism threatens our knowledge’s authority, including others is always advisable (Burge, 663). The book incorporates individualism and social isolation to reveal that the two are the root causes of evil practices and their consequences. Frankenstein does not share his project about the creation of life but decides to isolate himself and work secretly and individually—however, the secret ends after the creature breaks free and causes violence in society. Frankenstein runs to his friend Henry for support. Suppose the scientist would involve some friends and other advisors in his project; better ways of making the creature would have been found.
Consequently, his isolation and individualism in making the monster make him more isolated and lonely as the beast takes away all his closest relatives. Isolation can also be seen through the monster as he is rejected and separated from his creator, causing it to suffer alone, and he orders his creator to make a company for him to comfort him. The monster says,” I am alone, and miserable; man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species and have the same defects. This being you must create.’’ The creature believed that humans would not accept him and hence isolated. The monster is the symbol of the destructive consequences of individualism and isolation. The book depicts that a lack of connection to society may lead to destructive behavior that may harm other people.
Everything comes at a price, and everyone should be responsible for their actions. Responsibility is another theme in the book that shows how Frankenstein was irresponsible in his actions and creation. The lack of responsibility spurs revenge in the creature since Frankenstein cannot attend to his needs, including creating a companion for the monster. Frankenstein rejects his creature, as depicted by the monster’s words, ” Yet you, my creator, detest and spurn me, thy creature, to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us. You purpose to kill me. How dare you sport thus with life?’’ The words show that the creature deserves care from his creator, but instead, Frankenstein abandons it and fails to satisfy his needs. Seeing that his creator does not show him any responsibility and care, the monster vows to destroy Frankenstein’s life. Due to the lack of Frankenstein’s irresponsibility, society suffers death losses caused by Frankenstein’s creation. Generally, the book emphasizes the importance of personal and social responsibility for a thriving community and urges those in positions of power to be responsible and utilize the power for the well-being of other people.
The pursuit of dangerous knowledge in the book shows how Frankenstein is obsessed with finding a way to create and sustain human life. Humans should have a limit on the knowledge they explore, especially when it involves nature (Simon). The book explores the dangers of the relentless pursuit of human knowledge and the penalties of crossing moral limitations in the quest for discovery. Frankenstein is overwhelmed by the desire to unravel the secrets of death and life. His desires drive him to study complex sciences and engage in unethical experiments beyond accepted norms. His quest for knowledge leads to the death of his beloved ones and, finally himself.
Similarly, Walton risks his life traveling through the ice in his endeavors to explore the globe and reach the North Pole and discover new knowledge beyond the boundaries of human understanding. His quest ends abruptly when he encounters Frankenstein and the monster. Frankenstein tells Walton, “Lean from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how happier the man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow.” The words show how dangerous it is to pursue knowledge beyond nature.
In conclusion, the character of Frankenstein and his creator raises significance in understanding the limits of human scientific ambitions against nature, the need for being responsible, and the importance of collectivism with others. Irresponsibility without taking into account the well-being of others can have more significant consequences, and social norms and ethics must accompany knowledge pursuit. The exploration of human nature complexities and the consequences of our actions are themes that remain relevant to society.
Works Cited
Bartlett, Andrew. “Frankenstein and Scientific Revelation: Frankenstein and the Problem of Modern Science (Part 2 of 3).”.” Anthropoetics: The Journal of Generative Anthropology 13.1 (2007).
Burge, Tyler. “Individualism and self-knowledge.” The Journal of Philosophy 85.11 (1988): 649-663.
Simon, Art. Dangerous Knowledge. Temple University Press, 2010.
Global Agriculture Transportation Essay Example
The significant issue of agriculture’s dependency on fossil fuels for transportation is one of the most influential elements on global food supply and agricultural practices. According to Tauger (2019), “transportation is the lifeblood of the food industry, and fossil fuels are its primary source.” In other words, without fossil fuels, the food business cannot operate. Due to a shortage of suitable transportation, farmers cannot get their products to market, and customers cannot buy them (Mohajan, 2019). This article will make a link between one of the films on global transportation and Tauger’s book on the dependency on fossil fuels for agricultural transportation.
Approximately 14% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the transportation industry, with road transport being the largest contributor. The gases emitted by green house circulate in the atmosphere giving back acidic rains that cored many things on the ground (Cisco, 2020). In addition, the film emphasizes that the agriculture economy is largely dependent on transportation and that more than 70 percent of global freight movement happens on the road. The transportation industry’s dependence on fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, is one of the leading contributors to its total carbon footprint.
According to Tauger (2019), the transportation sector is responsible for around 23% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport being the leading contributor. In addition, he underlines the importance of transportation and the extensive usage of fossil fuels in the agricultural business. The usage of fossil fuels for transportation has worsened the emission of greenhouse gases and the resulting temperature change, which has had a severe effect on agriculture. As a result of climate change, weather patterns have grown more erratic, and agricultural output and losses have risen. Currently the rains are not consistent in many areas hence the rise of desertification. Unless the mode of transport is changed with less use of carbon materials things will never change.
Reducing the entire carbon footprint of the transportation business is one of its most serious challenges. According to the Real Engineering film, the transportation sector has made major achievements towards reducing emissions, such as the introduction of electric and hybrid automobiles; nevertheless, these technologies are not yet generally used due to a number of obstacles. Among these include expensive pricing, a lack of suitable infrastructure, and range anxiety. Avoiding dependency on fossil fuels is a common way of reducing carbon print in the agricultural sector. People can resolve to use other sources of energy that does not fill the atmosphere with carbon (IV) Oxide gases.
In recent years, the agricultural business has pushed for more ecologically friendly ways of transportation. Establishing local food distribution networks is one technique for reducing the distance between producers and consumers. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (2019), local food systems have the potential to contribute to the reduction of agriculture’s carbon footprint by reducing emissions from transportation. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) emphasizes that sustainable transportation can be achieved through the promotion of alternative fuels like biodiesel and ethanol, as well as the adoption of efficient transportation techniques like the use of fuel-efficient vehicles and the optimization of transport routes.
In conclusion, the global transportation industry’s use of fossil fuels affects agriculture negatively. Some of the transportation issues are pollution and fossil fuels in agricultural distribution. The fossil fuels normally burn while they are releasing toxic things to the environment. Tauger’s work underlines the importance of agriculture’s carbon impact and transportation. Sustainable agricultural transportation requires reducing the use of nonrenewable fossil fuels and increasing the use of alternative fuels and regional food delivery networks.
References
Cisco (2020). The Future of Transportation. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txtj-Xp6REE
Tauger, M. (2019). Agriculture in World History (3rd ed.). Routledge.
USDA. (2019). Agricultural Marketing Service. Retrieved from https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/transportation-marketing-program
Mohajan, H. (2019). The first industrial revolution: Creation of a new global human era.
How Can Sustainable Consumption Lead To Major Environmental Change Essay Example
Introduction
Sustainable consumption uses a limited resource base to allow future generations to acquire the goods and services they need. Protecting the environment is very necessary if we want sustainable development. Greener consumption can make a big difference in the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving resources, and reducing waste. This essay looks at how sustainable consumption affects the environment and how it can bring about big changes in the environment.
Sustainable Consumption and Climate Change
It is possible to make significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the principal factor contributing to the warming of the planet, if consumers adopt more ecologically conscious buying habits. The production and distribution of goods and services cause more than sixty percent of the world’s emissions of greenhouse gases. Therefore, sustainable consumption practices that stimulate the use of green technologies, such as renewable energy, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable transportation, may lower emissions and limit the speed at which global warming is occurring (Park). Alternate modes of transportation, such as taking the bus, walking, or riding a bike, rather than driving, can improve air quality and energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Sustainable consumption practices help to ensure the continued viability of renewable energy sources such as hydropower, wind power, and solar power. These renewable energy solutions are clean and risk-free and very successful in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases. Sustainable consumption practices encourage energy-saving products such as LED lights, low-flow showerheads, and energy-efficient appliances (Tunn). These methods could reduce the energy used and the number of greenhouse gases released.
Sustainable Consumption and Resource
Conservation If individuals adopt more sustainable consumption patterns, it would be possible to preserve various natural resources, including water, forests, and minerals, among other things. If factories aren’t run well for the environment, the natural resources used to make things could run out (Tunn). On the other hand, sustainable consumption practices may reduce the need for natural resources because they encourage people to reuse, recycle, and buy less harmful products.
One strategy to reduce the number of raw materials that are required for production is to promote the reuse of the resources that are already in use. Encourage people to “reduce, reuse, and recycle” to reduce waste by changing how they use things. More sustainable consumption helps increase awareness about products that are friendlier to the environment and use fewer of the earth’s resources.
Sustainable Consumption and Waste Reduction
According to White, more ecologically responsible shopping methods could make it easier to reduce waste, and they might even be necessary for doing so. The huge amounts of waste made when goods are made and then thrown away could be why the environment is worsening. On the other hand, sustainable consumption practices result in less waste by encouraging item reuse, reducing the amount of packaging used, and raising recycling rates.
Reusable shopping bags, food storage containers, and water bottles are just a few examples of how sustainable consumption practices could help reduce the amount of trash produced (White). If people made purchases that were better for the environment, the amount of packaging would decrease to meet the demand for more eco-friendly or less packaging. Also, using products in a way that is good for the environment may make recycling easier by encouraging people to sort their trash and recycle it.
Sustainable Consumption and Biodiversity
The preservation of biological variety while maintaining ethical levels of consumption. Adopting more environmentally friendly ways to consume could help protect biodiversity, which is good for any plan to keep the economy growing. The variety of plant and animal species and the many different ecosystems in which they may be found is called biodiversity (Severo). The extinction of species and the destruction of their habitats are two examples of unintended consequences that can come from not using sustainable production methods. But reducing the demand for things that are bad for the habitat, encouraging sustainable farming, and helping conservation projects are all good things to do.
According to Park, If more individuals adopt sustainable consumption habits, there is a possibility that the demand for products that are harmful to habitats, such as palm oil, unsustainable lumber, and animals that come from sources that are not sustainable. Adopting environmentally responsible consumption practices, which in turn stimulate the use of environmentally responsible agricultural practices such as agroforestry, helps conserve biological variety. Other than providing financial support to organizations that advocate for biodiversity and conservation, sustainable consumption practices also contribute to the success of conservation programs in other ways.
The Role of Education in Promoting Sustainable Consumption
Education has a significant role in promoting sustainable consumerism since it enlightens individuals about their shopping patterns’ influence on the environment around them. Education on the environment may help individuals understand how their buying habits influence the natural world, and education about consumer literacy can help people become more knowledgeable and critical consumers. Engaged people and collective action help system changes, while targeted campaigns and awareness-raising programs can help with shifts in behavior. People and communities can contribute to creating a better world by becoming more knowledgeable about how to live more sustainably. Education can also help people think of new ways to buy things that are good for the environment (Cohen). Individuals can produce new ideas and methods that may help produce more sustainable products, services, and technology if they educate themselves about sustainable practices and gain knowledge in this area. Teaching people about sustainable fashion may encourage them to produce new designs made from eco-friendly materials, decreasing waste in the fashion business. Educating people about sustainable fashion can accomplish this. Farmers may be more likely to use sustainable farming methods if they know about them. This would lead to better food production systems for the environment. Education is very necessary to stimulate sustainable consumption. It can make people more aware, push for systemic change, get people to think critically and make decisions, and force them to change their behavior (Cohen). Education is one of the most important tools to achieve sustainable consumption, which is essential for a sustainable future. Investing in education allows us to help people and communities become more self-sufficient, which in turn contributes to a more self-sufficient future for everyone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the release of greenhouse gases, the depletion of resources, the pollution, and the loss of biodiversity are only some of the environmental issues that may be alleviated if consumers engage in more ecologically responsible consumption activities. If we want to keep the world in good shape for future generations and move toward sustainable development, we need to shop in ways that are less harmful to the environment. Only collective efforts from people, businesses, and governments will be able to overcome the challenge of environmentally friendly consumption. The government can encourage sustainable production and consumption in several ways. Two examples are eco-labeling programs and subsidies for renewable energy. These are two examples of how governments can encourage sustainable manufacturing and consumption. Businesses can encourage people to buy things that are better for the environment by using green manufacturing techniques and selling greener products. People can promote sustainable consumption by making mindful product selections and modifying their behaviors to less impact the natural environment. Long-term changes in how people use resources that are better for the environment can greatly impact the ecosystem by reducing the bad things people do. We can guarantee that future generations will be able to live on a healthy and livable planet if we promote consumption that is responsible for the environment.
Work Cited
Cohen, Maurie J. “Does the COVID-19 outbreak mark the onset of a sustainable consumption transition?.” Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy 16.1 (2020): 1-3.
Park, Hyun Jung, and Li Min Lin. “Exploring attitude–behavior gap in sustainable consumption: Comparison of recycled and upcycled fashion products.” Journal of Business Research 117 (2020): 623-628.
Severo, Eliana Andréa, Julio Cesar Ferro De Guimarães, and Mateus Luan Dellarmelin. “Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on environmental awareness, sustainable consumption and social responsibility: Evidence from generations in Brazil and Portugal.” Journal of cleaner production 286 (2021): 124947.
Tunn, V. S. C., et al. “Digitalised product-service systems: Effects on consumers’ attitudes and experiences.” Resources, conservation and recycling 162 (2020): 105045.
White, Katherine, Rishad Habib, and David J. Hardisty. “How to SHIFT consumer behaviors to be more sustainable: A literature review and guiding framework.” Journal of Marketing 83.3 (2019): 22-49.