Reading “The Mysterious Island” as a child had a profound impact on my perception of technology and courage for survival. The novel, written by Jules Verne, immersed me in a world where a group of castaways ingeniously utilized their knowledge and resourcefulness to overcome the challenges of their remote and hostile environment. Through their application of scientific principles and inventive use of technology, such as electricity and steam-powered machinery, I was inspired by the immense potential of human ingenuity and innovation.