Inquiry Project Part Four
Ray Bradbury, the author of Fahrenheit 451 believes that risks are worth taking, if for the betterment of mankind. The world he created is full of risks, important or foolish. He puts people in situations that show that the risks they take can be foolish or important to betterment of mankind. Bradbury illustrated this by showing Clarisse explaining to Montag about what kids do nowadays. She said “... go out in the cars and race on the streets, trying to see how close you can get to the lamp posts, playing ‘chicken’ and ‘knock hubcaps’ “(27). This quote shows an example of people taking foolish risks that don’t better mankind.
Bradbury uses the example of the young people taking the risk of street racing to illustrate risk with no moral payout, in contrast with the risks that Montag takes in trying to save books for future generations. Bradbury shows Montag taking a book from the old lady’s house when he and the other firefighters try to burn her books, but the old lady ends up lighting herself and the house on fire. Montag described his actions “ Montag had done nothing. His hand had done it all, his hand, with a brain of it’s own, with a conscience and curiosity in each trembling finger, had turned thief.” He took a risk to better mankind; to save the knowledge supplied by books; to risk his life to keep books from being destroyed, banned, and burned in the world Mr. Bradbury created.
I believe I should takes risks that better my life. Ones that will better me in my future and get me where I want to go. An example of taking a risk that will better my future is having to play a sport I am not comfortable with. This will improve teamwork, multitasking, people skills, physical skills, and stress relief. Having these capabilities my future will help better myself to better the world I live in. Another example is finally speaking up and stating my opinion. An example is hearing all these girls talk about their boyfriend, or wanting a boyfriend, wanting kids, and not really thinking about about college. When I finally spoke up and stated my opinion such as wanting to succeed in high school, college, and not wanting kids. Instead I wanted to travel, show horses, and build the life I have wanted to do since I was little. I was seen as weird, but when others hear what my plans are, they see that they don’t have to go with the status quo. They can be different, have their own plans, they can have the job they worked hard for, and not listen to the people that say they can’t. My Mom always told me ”That no matter what risks you take. If they were easy everyone would take them.” She is right. If every risk was easy then everyone would take them without thinking about it. What risks are worth taking in your opinion?