Fahrenheit 451

Alice Quach, Period 3 - Dawson

In the book Fahrenheit 451, Captain Beatty disputes the presence of books towards Guy Montag,
claiming that: A book is a loaded gun in the house next door Who knows who might be the
target of the well-read man? Captain Beatty attempts to attack the innocence of what books may
have, knowledge. The ambience of Beattys assertion reflects fear rather than ease. This alludes
that society in this book is leaning over towards a dystopian environment. In the book, the
government feared those who were literate. The reason for this is because words contain the
potential of power that can inundate individuals. The ability words have, is that they are capable
of implanting anything in the minds of the readers; thus contain the potential to ignite a burning
passion within those who retain them. Hence, Beattys message to Guy Montag denigrates the
idea of being educated and preserving knowledge. I disagree with Beattys conception about his
overall ideas about books. Books should not be taken in the way that degrades human society
and seclude them from such imperative, unique values. Education represents itself as a catalyst,
it sparks and expands our sphere of influence, innovations, and evolves humanity overall; along
with moral values and the principles of life. Books are capable of being dispersed around the
world and passed on from individual to individual. They are pervaded with records of life,
traditions, and experiences. A book is not a weapon, but merely a staircase to wisdom. They
support us under solitude and seep the burdens disrupting our human minds. They are a potent
weapon because every word has a power of its own. Lord Byron addresses, A drop of ink can
make millions think . Simplicity is not the limit to the human mind. We are each born with the
potential to broaden our limits, and discover anew in every dimension. There is always room for
improvement, no matter how competent an individual performs. Education should not be

restricted from mankind. Like a book, it is an important tool applied in the contemporary world
to succeed, as it mitigates the challenges faced in our daily lives. The knowledge gained through
education enables an individuals potential to be optimally utilized to training of the human
mind. This paves radiant paths of opportunities that enable humans to achieve better prospects in
society as a whole- both socially and economically and developing common culture and values.
Words are so powerful that even Alexander the Great developed apprehension and unrest towards
books. It is said when he conquered a country, he ordered its libraries to be burnt. The Pen is
mightier than the Sword -Edward George Bulwer-Lytton. This impels a strong force that insight
of words is superior to action. Throughout history, they have provoked and changed how we
value the principles of life. Violence does not have to be a solution to alleviate conflicts.
Violence isnt the only strong power that exists. Knowledge is Power.-Francis Bacon. That is
where the value of education comes in. It allows us to accentuate our beliefs and thoughts and
leave a profound effect on others to change society from every inkling of knowledge from each
human mind. With schools and libraries being established all around the world, it deepens how
much the world values knowledge. Books arent defined by its cost, or physical appearance.
Dont judge a book by its cover-George Eliot. Its the words, the knowledge inside that
attributes to its value. Without knowledge, education, how would we devise books? They are all
linked to each other. These are rich, unique possessions that cannot be stolen or plundered. They
dont decrease when given; they give our society the feeling of strength and power. There is no
end to the gaining of knowledge. It is only the foolish individual who thinks he knows
everything. Knowledge must be acquired and shared as a collective effort. The lack of
knowledge in human beings leads to potential poverty and absence of economic prosperity. Our
world has made successful discoveries and inventions that encouraged mankind to contemplate

on new ideas. The quintessential power in knowledge, education and books contains a pure
essence of what forges our activities in everyday lives. Simplicity does not give us the delight
and joy in our lives. Its imperative to understand that even the significance cannot be even
expressed in words. Its also our actions, like our innovations we have created in mankind-all
because of knowledge. To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true
knowledge Confucius.