Half way through Fahrenheit 451. Another classic that I probably should have read long before now. Humming nicely along, enjoying dystopia, and then this on page 61:

Give the people contests they win by remembering the words to more popular songs or the names of state capitals or how much corn Iowa grew last year. Cram them full of non-combustible data, chock them so damned full of 'facts' they feel stuffed, but absolutely 'brilliant' with information. Then they'll feel they're thinking, they'll get a sense of motion without moving. And they'll be happy, because facts of that sort don't change. Don't give them any slippery stuff like philosophy or sociology to tie things up with. That way lies melancholy.

*sigh*

Now they tell me.

Thinking maybe I should read Something Wicked next rather than Something Wicked This Way Comes.