The jails are full of one million non-readers. We can't let it happen again. If you allow another generation to grow up to be 12 years old... without the ability to read, write, and think, we're sunk. If they can't read, if they can't write, if they can't think, they become criminals. We've already lost two generations. Unless we teach reading intensely and completely in kindergarten and first grade, the whole civilization goes to hell.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bradbury warns that illiteracy leads to criminality and societal collapse.
- In plain terms
- If kids cannot read write or think they become criminals and civilization fails.
- What can you take from it?
- Teaching reading early is vital for preventing crime and saving society.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does literacy affect society?
- What causes criminal behavior?
Another view
The link between illiteracy and crime is overly deterministic.
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