* To prevent intellectual dissent and conflict: Beatty argues that books contain conflicting ideas and perspectives that cause societal unrest. He sees uniformity and simplicity as the key to peace, and burning books eliminates the potential for dissent.
* To simplify life: Beatty believes that books complicate life with complex emotions, thoughts, and ideas. He claims that people are happier and less stressed when they don't have to grapple with intellectual complexity.
* To avoid challenging the status quo: Books often challenge established norms and power structures. By destroying books, society can maintain the current power dynamics without being questioned.
* To promote "equal" access to information: Beatty claims that by burning books, everyone is equal because they all have access to the same information (or lack thereof). This reinforces a superficial sense of equality, masking the real inequalities present in society.
* To control the flow of information: Beatty sees books as a threat to the government's control over information. Burning them allows for a more controlled and curated narrative, ensuring that citizens only consume what the authorities deem appropriate.
It's important to remember that Beatty's justifications for burning books are ultimately flawed and hypocritical. His argument for simplicity and peace masks the true nature of oppression and control. The book challenges the reader to think critically about the dangers of censorship and the importance of intellectual freedom.