One of which is operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is the process by which people make responses because they have learned that positive or negative consequences are dependent on the response. This basically means that we humans will have a fixed response to a specific stimuli that is followed by something negative or positive. This quote is saying that we read books only for specific reasons,
You must understand the importance of what books do, so you appreciate and experience what they offer. In Fahrenheit 451, people in the society can’t comprehend what books actual purpose is. When Montag first realizes the significance of books, he has to rethink everything: “There must be something in books, something we can’t imagine, to make a women stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing”(Bradbury 48). Almost all the people in the society don’t even think twice about someone dying like that.
He talks about how when people read nonfiction they tend to be more critical and skeptical, but when they read fiction they tend to loosen up and relax more. Gottschall states, “Fiction enhances our ability to understand other people, it promotes a deep morality that cuts across religion and political creeds”
What Beatty says, is exactly what Bradbury despises. He doesn’t wish for the future to think that there is nothing worth reading in books. Bradbury believes that knowledge is held within books themselves. The fear of in the future people will despise books and everything they stand for scares
Bowels snapped, "I've always said, poetry and tears... sickness all that mush!" (97) The content of a book is so filled with the life and the passion from the author who has written it, that it can sometimes be emotional to read. Literature leaves people vulnerable to feelings and emotions, and people want don't want to go through the mess of feeling. Technology is sufficient enough for them, but feelings are a hassle to them, that come from books which is why they avoid books.
Faber tells Guy that the knowledge in books is something people need. On the contrary, Beatty explained to Guy earlier that books are the cause of many problems: “’A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take the shot from the weapon, Breach man’s mind. Who knows who might be the target of the well-read man?”’
Even those who do not like books yet are well-read, like Montag’s boss, Captain Beatty, are incomplete yet interesting in a way the other characters are not. The connection between books and personality is direct and proportional. In Fahrenheit 451, there is a clear difference in the quality of life between people who read and those who do not, as those who do read seem more engaging, interesting, and generally
The second reason why the people in this society do not want books is because of the leisure to digest it. The leisure to digest means to take the time to think about something and to really understand what the information means. Faber says, “Off hours, yes. But time to think? IF you’re not driving a hundred miles an hour, at a clip where you can’t think of anything else but the danger, then you’re playing some game or sitting in some room where you can’t argue with the four-wall televisor.
“There must be something in books, something we cannot imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You do not stay for nothing” (Bradbury). In this quote, we see the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, Guy Montag, slowly starting to crave the knowledge of books. Unfortunately, our modern-day world is all too like the dystopian Montag society in which we live. A society where books are slowly starting to become irrelevant as screens take over.
The lessons learned in literature are a significant part of how people choose to live their lives and go about solving issues, stemming from the philosophy and history ingrained inside of them. This can be seen in the novel Fahrenheit 451 as the main character, Guy Montag, tries to navigate his newfound knowledge of humanity. Montag's intense desire to discover the truth about his society alienates him from the people around him. This ultimately leads to Montag's revelation about how superficial his environment is, completely transforming how he chooses to live the rest of his life. The novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury reveals the transformational power of literature, showing that the knowledge gained from books is the true hero in the
And I want you to teach me to understand what I read." (Bradbury 78) Books to him are a way to communicate with others. He is frustrated that everyone else is blind to that. This expresses the value of the books expanding the way of communicating. He knows he will need help on understanding it and
Carol Dweck, the author of the book entitled “Mindset”, did a great job of portraying her inquisitive thoughts throughout the book. Also, the book was informative and made me wonder about my “mindset” and my life in the future. Dweck, throughout the book, explains that mindsets start early as a child and perseveres into adulthood. She explains that this mindset can drive many aspects of our lives going from parenting and being in relationships to sports, school, and work. Most of the book which stands out to me, is the author’s encouragement to her readers, that anyone can change their mindset at any time, age, or state of mind in their life.
Additionally, Dannie is stuck on the idea of “I don’t like reading and writing”, which urges me to find different opportunities for him to enjoy literature. Although I cannot force him enjoy literature, I can use strategies to improve his skills in hopes that this increases his attitude toward literature. After observing Dannie, I feel as if he needs to give reading and writing a chance before determining if he does not like literature in
A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it” (Bradbury 55). In the fictional universe Bradbury has created, books have become a weapon and are seen as dangerous. Why? Because the well-read man has more knowledge and is smarter about the way the world works.
When I first met someone who didn’t like the book I was beyond shocked. Right at that moment, I realized that reading has its own effects on me. Reading has changed my writing skills, it has improved my knowledge and lastly, it has helped me manage my stress while going through hard times. Without reading I wouldn’t be the person that I am today.
