Jurassic Park

Impressions

The Jurassic Park movies differ a lot from the book, but you can clearly see the influence the novel had on them. The book is without a doubt a page-turner, and you’ll definitely have a hard time putting it down.

Although it’s filled with scientific references and many scenes unfold through computer interfaces, Michael Crichton does a wonderful job of breaking everything down so it’s easy to understand for any reader. Whether you’re a science fiction fan, a technology enthusiast, a dinosaur fanatic, or simply someone who enjoys a good thriller, this book is for you.

How the book impacted me

The book is a cautionary tale about ethics, and corporate greed. Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.

Crichton uses the story to explore the dangers of unchecked ambition, corporate greed, and overconfidence in technology. The book really drives home the idea that nature is unpredictable and powerful, and that human attempts to control it often backfire.

For readers, that translates into three broader lesson:

• Respect for limits: science and technology are incredible, but they come with responsibilities.
• Unintended consequences: even well-meaning innovations can spiral in ways we don’t expect.
• Humility before nature: no matter how advanced we get, nature still has the upper hand.

My top 3 quotes

”Let's be clear. The planet is not in jeopardy. We are in jeopardy. We haven't got the power to destroy the planet - or to save it. But we might have the power to save ourselves.” ― Michael Crichton

”Living systems are never in equilibrium. They are inherently unstable. They may seem stable, but they’re not. Everything is moving and changing. In a sense, everything is on the edge of collapse.” ― Michael Crichton

”Welcome...to Jurassic Park!” ― Michael Crichton

Summary + Notes

Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park tells the story of a billionaire who brings dinosaurs back to life and builds a theme park on a remote island. He invites scientists to check it out before opening, but of course, things go terribly wrong when the systems fail and the dinosaurs break loose. What follows is chaos, survival, and a chilling reminder that nature can’t be contained.

Why read it?

• More than the movies: Darker, more suspenseful, and packed with science and philosophy.
• Big ideas: Explores ethics in science, chaos theory, and the dangers of greed.
• Still a page-turner: Despite the science, Crichton makes it easy (and fun) to follow.
• Lasting takeaway: Just because we can do something doesn’t always mean we should.

Key notes

Science Meets Thrills

Crichton weaves real scientific concepts like genetics, cloning, computer systems and chaos theory into a fast-paced thriller. You’re learning while you’re on the edge of your seat.

Chaos Theory in Action

Dr. Ian Malcolm warns early on that complex systems (like Jurassic Park) are unpredictable and bound to fail. The entire novel plays out as proof of his point: no amount of planning can control nature.

Ethics of Science

The book constantly asks: Should we do something just because we can? It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of pushing science without considering consequences.

Corporate Greed vs. Responsibility

Hammond is portrayed as arrogant and profit-driven in the novel, much less kind than in the movie. His obsession with making money blinds him to the dangers, ultimately leading to disaster.

Technology as Both Tool and Threat

Many key scenes happen through the computer system’s UI. The reliance on technology makes the collapse even scarier, because it shows how fragile control really is.

Tone & Style

Darker and more suspenseful than Spielberg’s adaptation. Less adventure, more tension, with whole chapters building up dread before the dinosaurs strike.

Takeaway for Readers

Beyond the dinosaurs, the book is about human hubris. It reminds us that nature isn’t something to be controlled, but something to be respected.