I always find that Bradbury has this tendency to over-write. Fortunately, when his stories are good enough, it only takes a few pages to get over the florid writing. And Farenheit 451 is good enough. I was a little surprised that the bit about 451 degrees isn’t actually in there. I was a little surprised that his message about the dumbing-down of society was still appropriate – which is reassuring in a way. If we’re still worrying about it today, then I guess chances are it will never happen. Still, hold on to your books, ladies and gentlemen, your newspapers that dare to question, your films that make you think, lest society be given over to the flames.

There are many books I have read that have great quotes, but the one that has stuck with me more than any other is the following: “The difference between the man who just cuts lawns and a real gardener is in the touching. The lawn-cutter might just as well not have been there at all; the gardener will be there a lifetime.” Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury

Another way of saying this (instead of touching) is intent. The intent of something—regardless of the outcome—is the most powerful concept in the world. It’s not the end justifies the means; it’s the means justifies the end.

If you have to cut lawns why not become a gardener? You’re there one way or another.

This issue is closely related to faith, too. Apply this to whatever, faith in God, faith in humanity, faith in yourself. If you believe in something and you’re wrong, what is the cost? Nothing. You probably lived more purposefully, more optimistically than otherwise, but it does not hurt you to be wrong. The bigger risk is in losing faith, intending nothing.