Ray Bradbury RIP (1920-2012)

In Pre-AP English II we study Fahrenheit 451. On the day of author Ray Bradbury's passing (if not every day), I think it's important to reflect on the three things Faber, a character in 451^F, says are needed for books to make a difference in the world.

After you read them, go out and make a difference in the world.

1. Quality of information: "...it means texture. This book has pores. This book can go under the microscope. You'd find life under the glass, streaming past in infinite profusion. ... Telling detail. Fresh detail. The good writers touch life often."


2. Leisure to digest it: "You can shut [books] and say, 'Hold on a moment.' You play God to it. ... Books can be beaten down with reason."


3. "The right to carry out actions based on what we learn from the first two."

For more on Ray Bradbury, see this article.