The Cost of Pursuit: Ambition and Values in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
- paingeekscommunity
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
By Laura Rathbone
In the relentless quest for knowledge, individuals often find themselves on a treacherous path. In the medical field, this pursuit is often seen as a noble endeavor. Yet, how often do healthcare professionals pause to consider the sacrifices they make in the name of ambition? What personal and relational costs come with the intense drive for mastery?
As a physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience, I have a profound understanding of the internalised pressure to be entirely devoted to my profession. It appears that from an early age, particularly within Western and European educational systems, we are conditioned to adopt a self-sacrificing mindset. As adults, many of us are still in the process of unraveling these ingrained beliefs. Examinations often coincide with significant holidays, and the demands of studying frequently lead to missed celebrations, birthdays, and much-needed rest. Society, family, and academic institutions tend to encourage and reward this sacrifice. We are taught to prioritise the needs of others above our own, all while accepting the burdens that come with being part of what is often regarded as the most 'rewarding and privileged' profession. Regrettably, many of us find ourselves underpaid, undervalued, and manipulated into believing that this is the only path to excellence in healthcare. Reading Mary Shelley's *Frankenstein*, particularly the protagonist's desperate quest for recognition and success at the expense of his own values, serves as a poignant reminder for all of us to reflect on our own journeys and the sacrifices we make. (Laura Rathbone, Pain Geeks Co-Founder)
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein powerfully explores this theme through its characters, particularly Victor Frankenstein and the sea captain. Their stories serve as warnings, encouraging readers to reflect on how ambition interacts with fundamental values.
The Arc of Victor Frankenstein
"Arc" refers to the journey or change that the character goes through. It's how a character grows, evolves, and/or transforms as they face challenges, make choices, and confront their flaws.
Victor Frankenstein is introduced to us as an un-named traveller picked up by the sea captain Robert Walton whilst out surrounded by sea ice in the Arctic. Our introduction to him is therefore one filled with foreboding and mystery. As his story unfolds and is retold to us we travel back in time to the early years of Victor Frankenstein. He is immediately transformed from a beaten down, mysterious traveller into a privileged and somewhat etitled young boy. As his charachter grows and develops in the early chpaters, he emerges as a passionate scientist, driven by a desire to unlock the mysteries of life.
Initially, his studies are fueled by pure child-like curiosity, he soon becomes consumed by his work, leading to emotional detachment and severe consequences. For instance, his creation—a creature that symbolises the unintended consequences of unchecked ambition—ultimately leads to the destruction of his relationships and personal happiness.
Frankenstein's story is not merely about scientific discovery; it highlights to us the psychological impact of relentless ambition. His isolation from family and friends illustrates the significant costs of his pursuit that may tell us something about the fate of societies that prioritise productivity over connection. Made all the more relatable as we acknowledge the impact of our loneliness epidemic. By the end of the novel, he has lost everything important to him, showcasing not just personal loss but the broader implications of sacrificing values for achievement.
Similarly, the sea captain's journey mirrors Frankenstein’s tragic path and the inclusion of this character forces the reader to experience life as his voice, to be Robert the narrator - and naturally drawing a mirror up to our own life. His ambition, while noble in intent, ultimately leads to destructive decisions that highlight the dangers of pursuing goals without considering ethical implications. This parallel is crucial in understanding how we may be the masters of our own disconnection if we aren't guided to make changes.
The Clinician Connection: Navigating Ambition and Isolation
Clinicians often reflect the ambitious nature seen in Frankenstein. The healthcare profession celebrates the relentless pursuit of excellence and self-sacrificing dedication, creating a culture where exhaustion equals worth. However, this admiration often overlooks the human costs involved. A revealing statistic shows that 43% of healthcare professionals experience burnout*, indicating that many are paying a steep price for their ambition.
*De Hert, S., 2020. Burnout in healthcare workers: prevalence, impact and preventative strategies. Local and regional anesthesia, pp.171-183.
Burnout is classified by the WHO as an occupational-phenomena characterised by "chronic work place stress that has not been successfully managed". The high levels of burnout in healthcare exemplifies the isolation that often accompanies the culture of ambition, exhaustion and public service. The constant focus on performance metrics and clinical targets can obscure the need for personal connections and rest. Many clinicians, including myself, find themselves in a cycle similar to Frankenstein’s—where the demands of their profession overshadow meaningful relationships and the safeguarding of our own health.
The balance between discipline and values is a pressing issue that challenges the professional identity and purpose of healthcare providers. It raises significant questions about how we can strive for excellence without sacrificing our humanity.
Exploring the Balance: Values Over Achievement
How can clinicians find a balance between ambition and values? The answer lies in creating an environment that encourages connection and reflection. Clinicians can benefit from regular self-checks, evaluating whether their actions align with personal values. For instance, a simple practice like journaling can help clarify goals and ensure that patient care remains at the forefront of their practice.
In this context, Pain Geeks emerges as a pragmatic solution. We felt the need to create a caring, kind and generous community within pain. Pain Geeks offers a unique blend of disciplined reading with rest as the community can share the workload through our regular live discussions. Pain Geeks provides you with a platform where you can engage with other clinicians and peers, share insights, and reflect on practice, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
Fostering a Culture of Achievement and Relational Well-Being
It is essential to foster a culture that values achievement while maintaining relational well-being. This involves encouraging collaboration and team-based care, where shared goals and mutual support are prioritised. Pain Geeks facilitates this by creating opportunities for clinicians to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another, ultimately enriching the professional landscape.
Reflection: The Cost of Your Pursuits
As you read this, consider your own culture as a healthcare professional. What are you striving for, and what could it be costing you?
Are you, like Frankenstein, so focused on your goals that you lose sight of what truly matters? Or are you striving to align your ambitions with your core values?
These reflections hold particular weight for us in the healthcare field, where the stakes are often incredibly high as we hold the responsibility of caring for people during their most vulnerable moments.
The conflict between ambition and values is a timeless theme that resonates with clinicians and anyone navigating life in a society that overly values status and productivity. Learning to prioritise personal and relational values alongside ambition and responsibility can enhance allow for more human-centred balance, fostering a more compassionate environment.
Frankenstein is a cautionary tale that can steer healthcare professionals to navigate their ambitious journeys with integrity and connection, ensuring that the cost of their profession does not come at the expense of their humanity.
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