Ray Bradbury's Philosophies In Fahrenheit 451

In the novel Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury shows examples of several philosophies. Bradbury writes examples of Utilitarianism, Conformism, and Leaderless Resistance. These ideas are conveyed thoroughly in the novel and have prominent examples. By understanding these philosophies, the audience can comprehend the book on a deeper level.

Utilitarianism- the belief of one good action can help many. Once the city is destroyed, Montag and the others return back to the city, but to rebuild it with books being permitted. This small action will change the way the society runs, forever. When Montag is discussing with Granger about rebuilding the city, they have the following conversation. “If, not we’ll just have to wait. We’ll pass the books on to our

The philosophy of conformity is introduced when Montag is taken aback by Clarisse's outgoing nature and her barrage of questions. Clarisse noticed how off-put Montag is of her behavior and states, "I'm antisocial, they say. I don't mix. It's so strange. I'm very social indeed. It all depends on what you mean by social, doesn't it? Social to me means talking to you about things like this" (26). Their interaction reveals to the reader that conversation and free thinking are considered taboo in this society. In this society, books are illegal and superficial entertainment like TV is valued. Most people conform to these values, but Clarisse is clearly an individual. Another way conformity is in the novel is how everyone is okay with not being able to read books. Fire Captain Beatty explains that when the population grew and became more diverse, the media took its toll on the masses. Society became obsessed with making everything politically correct so that no one would be offended and peace could be maintained. Captain Beatty states, "We must all be alike. Not everyone born free and equal, as the Constitution says, but everyone made equal. Each man the image of every other; then all are happy, for there are no mountains to make them cower, to judge themselves against. So! A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take the shot from the weapon" (55). Media became watered down, books became banned, and firefighting became fire starting. If a person does not conform to this style of living, their house will be burned down, and they will be arrested and this was universally known and accepted. Montag is motivated to do the actions he does because he hates conformity. He hates how the society has taught everyone, especially his wife, Mildred, that superficial happiness was the best for everyone and that retaining knowledge is useless. Montag goes