Ray Bradbury: Inside the Mind of a Child

Passion is the greatest of all virutes for the man who writes. Ray Bradbury displays pure unbridled passion in his words, whether they are spoken or written. His motive is firstly to be passionate, and then to be meaningful. His story about "Mr. Electrico" shows the second of these two motives, even the two are corollaries. Bradbury will live forever in the heart and soul of the one who is enlightened because he is passionate about the justice of literature. Because he feels passionate nothing will stand in his way on the road to this literary immortality.

As I've said befoe, Bradbury is about the individual overcoming his/her circumstances. True, society is not a Utopia. But it never will be. Bradbury's answer is sufficient: Rebel because you are passionate, and rebel even if it could cost you your life.

To Burn or Not to Burn?

As I finished the last few pages of Ray Bradbury's Farenheit 451 I began to think of how we as human beings burn things. The question came to me: "Have we burned society down to the ground?" Our society bears striking resemblances to Bradbury's, as we allow technology to do more and mor work and become less dependent on the "why" and are simply content with the "how". But ultimately we see that this adversity that we face is good. Societies have a tendency to become "soft", and Bradbury agrues that it is our job to rebuild them even better than before. Every adversity carries with it the seed of some equal or greater benefit. A tree must endure many thunderstorms, but it requires the rain to grow. The question is not "must we endure this calamity?", but rather "How shall we face it?" If we choose to be Mildred, then we are poor excuses for human beings and deserve to be hated. But if we choose to be a Montag, a Granger, or a Faber, then we are truly superior beings.

It matters not when we begin to overcome our adversity, but it is imperative that we begin. Faber realizes this te instant that he agrees to help Montag. This makes him a being who has overcome the power of a so-called "morality". He may have been a part of the herd for a time, but decided to take a stand and fight for a worthwhile ideal. As Nietzsche said "Morality is the best of all devices for leading man by the nose". The morality of this era has been realized by Faber as a detestable notion, and he utterly rejects it because it imprisons him.

Captain Beatty is the most detestable of creatures on Earth. He has the knowledge to rise above the rest,yet he would rather die with his knowledge than put it to use. Beatty is weak, and deserves to be destroyed because he not only is part of the tyranny, but he goes along willingly and of his own accord. I don't believe that it is healthy to empathizewith someone like Beatty because we run the risk of assimilating with him and become cowards ourselves. Bradbury says that our job is to overcome cowardice like Faber does.

We as human beings live in a type of cave, where we pretend to be "sivilized", as Mark Twain so aptly put it in Huck Finn. Montag is one of the few to step out of that cave into the light. At first the knowledge blinds him, but then he comes to understand. Ifhe were to try and teach the others in the cave though, he would be a laughingstock. But what is the ape to Man? A thing of amusement. So Man shall be to the one who conquers tyranny. Refuse to b a laughingstock. Bridge te gap in evolution and rebel. Today.

Shatner, Roddenberry and klingon - Is it all really a far cry?

When reviewing all that which is seemingly impossible, we must remember the advances already made by society and see that the impossible is possible in the amount of time that equates to a millisecond when compared with eternity. Science labs now report that they have CREATED A LIFE from scratch; an accomplishment which only a few years ago was thought only to be a work of God. The abilities of science seem to be limitless in this day and age, and the possibilities of technology know no boundaries. But I feel that that this power of the intellectual comes at a price which is generally overlooked by the "young men in a hurry". Especially in today's world, we must be constantly vigilant as to the danger of our creations.

Science progressed in bounds and leaps during the 1960's when David Roddenbery first televised his hit show "Star Trek". But despite the mind-boggling weapons, starships and planets, Roddenberry's heroes make more of an effort to advocate for scientific responsibility than they do progression. The villains presented in the episode of "Star Trek" that we viewed this morning are blinded, not by retardation, but by their intelligence. They are not responsible with their knowledge, and are social elitists who literally place themselves on a pedastal. I believe that Roddenberry saw the advanced weaponry and technological achievements of his day and made these the focus of his warning to us. He argues that our intelligence can make us as retarded as the cave dwellers who unwittingly expose themselves to that which is very much like the abuse of power- an unseen, unheard, unfelt force which lowers our basic humanity.

But this is a very scary thought for most people. Roddenberry suggests that this is because we are cave dwellers. We remain in darkness which prevents us from seeing the truth. But once in a while one man, a "Spock" for example, steps into the light. It blinds him at first, but then he begins to understand the meaning of this sunshine of enlightenment. However, if he were to go back into the cave to try and teach the others, he would be considered a laughingstock.

Roddenbury creates his futuristic story of ignorance and enlightenment with "new" technology. But is it all really new? The concept of a gun was not new until William Shatner began to carry one which shot a laser beam. Space travel was not a new concept, since Kennedy had already by this time announced plans to send men to the moon. Computers were not an idea which had yet to be concieved. I believe that all of this is a mask which Roddenberry uses to disguise the fact that he is challenging society itself to become better. The aims of science influence him, just as they influenced the mind of Mary Shelley over a hundred years ago.

My grandfather has a saying: Give people roots, and give them wings. Today we have limitless possibilities in the field of science. But there is also the limitless danger of living in a cave for eternity. Let us use our wisdom in the right way, be courageous enough to use it, and have the moderation to do all this in the right way- the meaning of justice.

Justice is never perfect

As I read To Kill a Mockincgbird again I find myself remembering the impressions that I had of this book as a fourth grader. Frankly, I think that fourth grade is probably the best age to read this book at, because it's easy to climb into other skins and walk around in them as a child. I remember being deeply inspired by Atticus Finch, and his quiet reserve of strength.

Plato refers to a set of values which equate to justice in his Republic. Courage, moderation and wisdom. Atticus Finch is certainly one third courageous, one third moderate, one third wisdom and 100% just. What I found inspiring about Atticus is that not only is he a just man, but he is human. Humans make mistakes, just as Atticus makes a mistake when he mishandles the relationship between Scout and her Aunt. But rather than leave the situation alone, Atticus realizes that a mistake is not a mistake until it goes uncorrected.

As the trial begins in Part Two, all the potential of Atticus which is given in Part One is actualized. He shows the Courage to question the integrity of a person, regardless of their race. He displays the moderation to know what to say and when do say it. And he is truly a wise in the way he determines what is right and what is wrong.

Proffessionalism is a lost art. Lawyers today either represent something akin to Machiavelli, or are viewed as a group of incapable fools. Atticus is neither. Because he lives by the above values, he has risen above the standards of his time. Social conditioning means nothing to an Atticus Finch. Justice is blind, and an Atticus unflinchingly defends this princple by defending an innocent black man.

There is a concept of eternal recurrence, which says that after our death we live this life again, but that there is nothing new in it. Everything remains the same, and so we experience nothing new. I can only think of Atticus as having beaten the cycle of this reincarnation by living a life which he would be proud to live over and over again for all eternity. His life serves as a challenge to all of us to "know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do".

A Season of Faith's Perfection

I must begin this last post of the summer with a brief commentary on my thoughts regarding all six of these works. I must say that they have all challenged me to think, and John Knowle's masterpiece A Seperate Peace is no exception. Written with powerful language, a noble theme, and a message that still speaks to us today, I feel that this book is certainly a contemporary classic.

Phineas is a bright man trying to perfect himself. Always, Finny is trying to excell. But there's something special about him, which Phineas doesn't quite realize is unique. He doesn't have to work to excell. Things come naturally to him. Gene Forrester, not knowing what to make of Finny, makes him an enemy. And time and time again, we see that Gene's suspicions have no foundation, and we see Finny's unwillingness to believe in such treachery.

Phineas has what I think all of us would call a pure heart. He never suspects anyone, never judges anyone, and in doing this he refuses to lower himself. But ultimately, Phineas cannot face the truth. The truth shows Phineas what the world truly is: base and inhumane. Again, Finny's childlike innocence prevents him from seeing the truth of war just as it prevents him from seeing the reason for his broken leg.

Present in these examples is the common theme of perfection. Phineas perhaps recognizes that he can't be perfect, but cannot accept the fact that the world won't live up to his standards. Ultimately, everyone's own worst enemy is themself. Gene's guilt consumes him, Phineas' innocence betrays him, and all those going off to war lie to themselves by making someone else the enemy.

I was powerfully affected by the instance where Phineas burns The Iliad. This symbolizes the fact that none of the boys have strong convictions. Achilles was a character with convictions which he stood for to the end. We all see others "die in battle", but this can not pollute our minds in seeking our own perfection. The inner battle is what matters.

I think this book gives a most powerful message to students in particular. It is set in the same spot as, ironically, our lives. Let us endeavor to not pit ourselves against the world. For we are the real monsters. Also, I was reminded of the quote by Nietzsche, "He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how." Is Knowles challenging us to find a why before it is too late?

We as humans have evolved from worm to man, and there is still much worm in us. But there is hope. There is always faith that a little bit of Phineas' triumphant character will live on in us all. I intend to enter the academical year with this vigor and passion.

God is Dead........And We Have Killed Him........

Arthur Miller brilliantly investigates good and evil in this magnificent work of drama, The Crucible. I would even go so far as to suggest that Miller uses the words "God" and "Devil" to temporarily replace "Good" and "Evil". He is certainly not lecturing to us about a Christian God, and I came to think that he was reffering to God as something within us that we can use to be well-rounded intellectuals like John Proctor. Likewise, the Devil is a type of value system that allows us to repress others and become tyrants. It also bears a striking resemblance to Nietzsche's theory of Master morality and Slave morality.

Abigail's every action is, in a sense, a reaction to the events around her. When a strong individual like John Proctor speaks up for the greatest good, she finds it easy to call witch. It boils down simply to a game of resentment. This is a game that makes Abigail a slave to her own mind; a resentful creature who cannot hope to achieve happiness. Miller is afraid that we as citizens might become Abigails, and that we will pollute the Earth with lies.

In opposition to this possibility stands the "eroica", John Proctor. If John has any resentment, it is towards his own actions, which he finds disgusting. But after all, what is a man without faults? Proctor is a man who will unflinchingly defend what is right, even if he must reveal his lechery; even if he must die. He becomes a sort of Prometheus, who brings knowledge and light into the world but must suffer for it. But in the end, he doesn't mind martyrdom. Hopefully, says Miller, this is what we'll become. Perhaps "God" can survive after all.

Nothing hurts more than the realization that we are wrong. This is why I feel that Reverend Hale is an "eroica", right beside John Proctor. He realizes his terrible miscalculations, and does everything within his power to correct it. He finds that a mistake is not a mistake until it goes uncorrected. This is why Hale becomes another enlightened person. I think we can close this book knowing that at least this character is wiser for all his suffering.

Take action regardless of the consequences. I found this to be a huge focal point in the development of the narration. Arthur Miller would later be imprisoned for his strong reation to McCarthyism, a situation similar to that in The Crucible. But yet I think that he would be happy being compared to John Proctor, Prometheus, Reverend Hale, the "eroicas" of his age.

Finally, a note on God. I said earlier that the word God is used to represent a type of morality within us. When God is polluted by lies and his beard is removed, he is without identity. There is no way for us to recognize him. "God is Dead!", cries John Proctor. And we have killed him. Now, says Arthur Miller, it's time to find him again.

On the word Eroica: Ludwig von Beethoven wrote a symphony titled "The Eroica" during the height of his career as a composer. Eroica means simply Hero in German, but Beethoven had a slightly different conotation. The symphony is written with a "Promethean theme", Prometheus being the Greek God who was punished for bringing fire to humans. I use this word throughout this blog because I think the conotation is stronger for Proctor. Hero seemed to be a flat term for him.

In Pursuit of the Inner Hero

"Boileau said that Kings, Gods, Heroes only were fit subjects for literature. The writer can only write about what he admires. Present day Kings aren't very inspiring, the Gods have taken a vacation, and about the only heroes left are the scientists and the poor.... And since our race admires gallantry, the writer will deal with it where he finds it. He finds it in the struggling poor now." -John Steinbeck in a 1939 radio interview

Approaching the work of John Steinbeck is fairly difficult, seeing as there are wide-ranging opinions of his writing. But I think that most will agree with me when I say that whether you love or hate The Grapes of Wrath, it's pretty hard not to be opinionated about it. With this in mind, I think it's easy to see Steinbeck as a visionary, whose work speeks to us throughout the ages, despite his rather dry style of writing. Steinbeck approaches the two themes mentioned above throughout this novel, and I find them to be the centerpieces of the book. Heroes and Gallantry are what Steinbeck is investigating, and he does this in one of the most unique fashions ever displayed throughout the course of American literature.

Gallantry is indeed something that we admire. Gallant men and women hold a society together, are held in high esteem, and are supposed to have decent values. Though it is perhaps hard to see at first, Tom Joad is a gallant man. He sticks to his morals throughout this terrible plight, and unflinchingly stands by his family. Tom is a man who refuses to give in to the fate that so many others willingly suffer. I say willingly suffer, because Tom does not accept fate. Rather, he emerges as a sort of gallant victor, unlike Grampa and Granma Joad, who give up hope and die. I think the style of writing Steinbeck uses is reflective of one who has no one with which to share his passions and his inner demons. Steinbeck is literally conversing with the page in front of him, and the result is characters who embody his inner demons and passions. Perhaps Steinbeck is debating why he shouldn't just give up, and considering the circumstances it doesn't sound like a bad idea. But inside, an inner Tom Joad screams for life.

In the end, John Steinbeck concludes that the best decision is perseverance. He resolves to preserve his values, not just for his own benefit, but for the benefit of his fellow beings. John Steinbeck wants us to listen to our inner hero, and preserve decency so that the next Kings will be inspiring, the Gods will return from their extended vacation, and so that everyone may be a Hero. He presents us with hope and the overpowering will of a God. I feel that we should all be willing to become Gods in our own time. It is hard, but it is also possible to display these God-like qualities of gallantry and perseverance.

On a different note, I wish this book would have been assigned immediately after Gatsby. I feel that it give both books a greater impact when they are in chronological order. I was also reminded of the words of Neil Peart when reading this book and Gatsby at nearly the same time.

"Guide the future by the past/long ago the mold was cast/ for they marched up to bastille day/ the guillotine qlaimed her bloddy prize/ sing, o choirs of cacophony/ power isn't all that money buys"