Ray Bradbury wrote a book called Fahrenheit 451 about a future where books are illegal, and firemen burn any books they find. In this world, the government believes that books can cause problems and make people unhappy, so they ban them to keep everyone “safe” and “equal.” Even though Bradbury wrote this book in 1953, its ideas remain highly relevant  today.

In Fahrenheit 451, people stop reading because it’s easier to live without overthinking  or asking questions. Instead, they watch TV and use other technology to stay distracted. Bradbury was concerned that TV would replace  serious reading, and now, with smartphones and social media, this has become increasingly true in many ways. People often prefer quick, easy content over  books that require them to think deeply. This can prevent people from learning new things and cause them to only listen to ideas with which they already agree.

Our world today has similar problems. When people stop valuing books and deep thinking, they stop asking important questions. Without these questions, it is easier for others to control what they believe. If a society avoids complex ideas to stay comfortable, it loses out on diverse viewpoints and individual thoughts. Many people today are easily distracted or tend to seek  information that supports their existing opinions. This is just like the warning in Fahrenheit 451 about the dangers of ignoring knowledge and curiosity.

But the story also gives hope. The main character, Montag, meets people who memorize books to preserve their knowledge. This shows that people can fight back and keep learning, even if it is hard.

The lesson for us is clear, we need the freedom to read and explore different ideas to have a strong society. We should stay curious, and think critically even when it feels uncomfortable. Protecting the right to read helps people understand each other and the world better. Bradbury’s story reminds us to cherish these freedoms before they are lost.

This lesson is crucial  today, as technology changes how we access information, and debates about censorship and free speech continue. Fahrenheit 451 prompts us to consider what kind of future we want. A future where books and ideas are banned? Or a future where curiosity and truth grow? The choice is up to us.

Content Writer: Della Aulia Feronica Editor: Florenia Neve Suryani