Here's why:
* Censorship: The government actively suppresses books and knowledge, believing that they are a source of conflict and unhappiness. Firemen are tasked with burning books and preventing people from accessing them.
* Media & Entertainment: The dominant form of entertainment is mindless television and radio, which keep people distracted and passive.
* Conformity: The society values conformity and superficial happiness over individual thought and critical thinking.
* Fear of Knowledge: People are afraid of the knowledge and ideas contained in books, believing they are dangerous and disruptive.
It's important to understand that the book's message is about the dangers of censorship, the importance of knowledge, and the power of individual thought. While books are the target, it's really the system of control that is the true antagonist in the story.