The books are to remind us what asses and fool we are. They're Caeser's praetorian guard, whispering as the parade roars down the avenue, "Remember, Caeser, thou art mortal." Most of us can't rush around, talking to everyone, know all the cities of the world, we haven't time, money or that many friends. The things you're looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine per cent of them is in a book. Don't ask for guarantees. And don't look to be saved in any one thing, person, machine, or library. Do your own bit of saving, and if you drown, at least die knowing you were headed for shore.
The quote reflects on the importance of literature in reminding us of our human flaws and mortality. The speaker uses the metaphor of a whispering guard to illustrate how books serve as a reminder of our limitations in an overwhelming world. They suggest that while we cannot experience everything firsthand, we can find a wealth of knowledge and understanding through reading.
Moreover, the quote emphasizes personal responsibility in seeking knowledge. It encourages individuals not to rely on external sources for salvation but to take initiative in their own learning. The message conveys that while books can provide insight into the world, the value lies in one's personal journey of discovery and the understanding that true growth comes from one's own efforts, regardless of the outcome.
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Other quotes in Fahrenheit 451
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
