He specifically mentions that they were "the ones who started it all" by "getting their hands on these filthy things and reading them." Beatty argues that the old generation's obsession with books led to the current chaos and unrest, ultimately justifying the book burning and censorship.
However, this is only part of the story. Beatty's own education and experience also influenced him to become a book-burning fireman, reflecting a broader societal pressure to conform and suppress individual thought.