Books are eternal

Was Ray Bradbury correctly predicting the future when he wrote Farenheit 451 fifty years ago? Are we living in a world where books are ostracized to small communities of people trying to salvage their wisdom, where most of America sits in front of their “moving mural” Television sets? Not quite, but we sure are close.

Internet and television has impaired us to think critically about some things, but not everything. It is not the greedy monster Bradbury makes it out to be, where it takes captive our thoughts with no room left for free thought and curiosity. Personally, the internet and television has exposed me to things of this world I could never have been a part of without its all encompassing influence. I am often on a desperate search for tidbits of news and world events when I open Google News each morning, curious to know what I missed while I slept. I know that I think more critically about my impact in this world, based on the people and situations I learn about on TV and through the internet. This article discusses the benefit of the internet on brain function: http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2008/10/14/internet-use-improves-brainpower

I doubt we are moving towards a society that will burn books. I see the trend that as technology becomes more invasive, people are holding on to the past more tightly. Not out of the fear of change, but just to be reminded of a simpler time. People are using books in conjuction with television and internet to enhance their experiences with media. Most things you see on television are based on books, so if there came a time where we got rid of all the books, television may not be so interesting. In this about.com article, http://kidstvmovies.about.com/od/healthytvhabits/a/tvgoodforkids.htm, the author makes the suggestion that children who watch TV can be motivated to read books, which in turn inspires critical thinking and discussion. The article gives suggestions like making comparisons between the book and the movie, noting differences and similarities.

I doubt society will ever allow for the intentional burning of books. People will always look to books to expand their imagination, and to take them to a place in their mind of their own creation, not the cookie cutter place that TV gives to them. I really like this description about the benefits of books : http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Benefit-of-Reading-Books&id=469269. Ray Bradbury may have been a bit cynical when he wrote Farenheit 451 so long ago, but I’m glad to say that I don't think he will end up being right.