Individualism In Fahrenheit 451

the government inflicts the same ideas on everyone. The absence of original thought thus hinders society’s ability to develop.
In addition to uniform thought, the government imposes artificial contentment on society, which is adverse because passionless societies are not productive. Montag is initially satisfied with his job as a fireman, for he “grins the fierce grin of all men singed and driven back by flame” (Bradbury 2). However, he also admits, “Going to sleep, he feels the fiery smile still gripped by his face muscles in the dark” (Bradbury 2). Montag lives a routine life and abides by all the laws, but he acknowledges that he has been trained to embrace his profession. Since he pretends to love his job for the sake of the law, his real

Free thought encourages productivity in society because people have control over their own ideas and actions. Montag expresses, “For the first time I realized that a man was behind each one of the books. A man had to think them up. A man had to take a long time to put them down on paper. And I'd never even thought that thought before” (Bradbury 51). Montag’s revelation demonstrates the importance of free thought, since before this point his thoughts pertained to only what the government imposed on society. He realizes that books are significant because they contain unique ideas and establish diversity in society. Therefore, his epiphany motivates him to question other aspects of his life and his society, which in turn prompts his independent actions. Montag illegally steals a book and reads it, which develops his individualism because he obtains new, distinct knowledge of his own free will (Bradbury 47). His action of stealing the book emphasizes his freedom, since he no longer feels inclined to conform to society and shun books. Montag then reads the book, which reinforces the necessity of diversity in society. Books present unique ideas that help society become more effective. New knowledge, skills, and abilities are all profitable to society because they allow people to work together and advance toward a greater society. In addition, Faber teaches Montag, “The good writers touch life often. The mediocre ones run a quick hand over her. The bad ones rape her and leave her for the flies” (Bradbury 79). Faber classifies the various types of authors, revealing to Montag that the differences between individuals are valuable contributions to society. Society is “more than an aggregation of self-interests”; rather, it is composed of many individuals who have immense potential to improve society (Hinchman 761). Thus, individualism not only