Imagine a world where books are outlawed, and the only source of knowledge is the government-controlled media – this is the world of Fahrenheit 451. This novel was written by Ray Bradbury in 1953 and was set as a dystopia. This is a futuristic novel about a society where books are banned and “firemen” are tasked with burning any that are found. The story follows Guy Montag, a fireman who begins to question the status quo and eventually rebels against the government. One of the key themes of the novel is the prioritization of happiness over intellect. In this society, people are encouraged to pursue immediate pleasures and avoid critical thinking. This leads to a shallow and superficial society that is unable to understand complex issues or …show more content…
One of the most obvious is the government’s ban on books, which is designed to prevent people from thinking deeply or critically about the world around them. Instead of reading books, people are encouraged to pursue hedonistic pleasures like watching television and participating in extreme sports. This is exemplified by the character of Mildred, Montag’s wife, who spends most of her time watching television and taking sleeping pills. Mildred is unable to engage with Montag on a deep level, and their conversations are often superficial and meaningless. This is in contrast to the character of Clarisse, a young woman who encourages Montag to think deeply and critically about the world around him. Clarisse is eventually killed by the government, which sees her as a threat to the status …show more content…
One of the most obvious examples is the emphasis on consumer culture and material possessions, which encourage people to pursue wealth and status at the expense of intellectual pursuits. This is exemplified by the rise of social media, which often prioritizes superficial pleasures like likes and followers over meaningful engagement and critical thinking. Additionally, many people in our current society are encouraged to pursue careers that are financially rewarding but intellectually unfulfilling. This can lead to a sense of disillusionment and disconnection from the world around us. To combat this, we should prioritize intellectual pursuits like reading, writing, and engaging in meaningful conversations with others. People should also be mindful of ways in which society encourages prioritizing happiness over intellectual growth, and seek out opportunities to challenge people and engage with the world in a more meaningful way. Ultimately, by prioritizing intellect over happiness, people can create a society that is more fulfilling and