The excerpt from Frankenstein that best reflects the 19th-century concern that scientists pursue their studies at any personal or moral cost is:
'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,'
Meaning that people are always looking too far (wanting more and more), without taking into account the risks and danger, and no matter if they are causing harm in others (they are willing to act no matter the cost)