Our modern world relative to Bradbury's.Fahrenheit 451

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Our modern world relative to Bradbury’s

The futuristic world that Ray Bradbury, author of Fahrenheit 451, so vividly describes is frighteningly close to our own. It might not seem so at first glance, but if you take a closer look, you’ll find that Bradbury wasn’t far off the mark with his idea of what our lives would be like in 50 years. As he envisioned, technology would be extremely sophisticated, families would start becoming distant, and entertainment would take a more significant role in our lives. The problems at the present might not be as extreme as Bradbury’s, however, if left unchecked, they could grow to be just as monstrous as he predicted.

  Since the 1950’s, scientists and engineers have made enormous advances in the world of technology. Back then, computers were still becoming common, and now pretty much every family has at least one. As technology becomes more widespread, people find excuses to buy more of it and become sucked into a world of digital screens, cell phones, and electronic planners, rather than that of notebooks, pencils, and good old-fashioned face-to-face conversations. Although it is tremendously useful in numerous ways, it is unsettling to think of how in-control technology is of our lives. Would you be able to last a whole day without using your telephone, operating your computer, listening to your CD’s, or enjoying that nice warm beverage that’s been heated by your microwave? The answer is probably no. Even though you might not think that technology has power over your life, if you look carefully, you’ll find you’re mistaken.

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  Do you know what “family time” is? How often do you spend time with your family? Do you enjoy it? Would you rather be somewhere else? It’s only been in the past 40 or 50 years that there has been such a decline in “family time.” Families used to be the most valued things in a person’s life. They looked forward to coming home and passing the time with their loved ones. But now, ever since there has been such a rise of popularity in technology, some people would rather be anywhere except with their families. Why would you ...

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