We Are All Victor Frankenstein: Our Romantic Dream of Artificial Intelligence with Ryan Holston

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Jun 18, 2025

Ryan Holston, a Professor at Virginia Military Institute, dives deep into the connections between Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' and modern artificial intelligence. He discusses the ethical implications of AI on human relationships, questioning if technology leads to deeper connections or isolation. Holston explores the allure of perfection in pursuing AI and warns against the pitfalls of escapism. He also examines literature's critique of scientism, revealing how narratives shape our understanding of technology and its consequences. An engaging reflection on humanity's ongoing dance with creation!

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INSIGHT

The Dual Nature of Promethean Impulse

The Promethean impulse combines a break from nature with a humanitarian desire to improve humanity.
This dual nature makes humans persistently seek to transcend limits despite potential dangers.

INSIGHT

AI Can't Replace True Relationships

AI relationships lack authentic human qualities like mutual growth and imperfection.
Preferring AI companionship sacrifices complexities essential to genuine human connection.

INSIGHT

Imperfection Defines True Love

The perfect relationship is a flawed fantasy; love involves friction and imperfection.
Consciously designing a perfect partner removes the human essence that makes relationships meaningful.

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Blood Meridian

Or, The Evening Redness in the West

Cormac McCarthy

Blood Meridian is a historical novel that depicts the brutal reality of the American West in the mid-19th century. The story follows a 14-year-old runaway from Tennessee, known as 'the kid', who joins the Glanton gang, a historical group of scalp hunters. The gang, led by John Joel Glanton and the enigmatic Judge Holden, is contracted to kill and scalp Native Americans but soon devolves into indiscriminate violence against various groups. The novel explores themes of brutality, the loss of innocence, and the harsh realities of human nature, with Judge Holden serving as a central figure embodying philosophical and sadistic elements. The book is known for its unflinching portrayal of violence and its allegorical exploration of human existence[2][3][5].

Frankenstein

Mary Shelley

Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts. However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it. The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley

Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom[2][4][5].