What is the major theme of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury?

One of the predominant themes throughout the novel Fahrenheit 451 is that of government censorship. In Bradbury's dystopian novel, firemen burn books instead of putting out fires. The firemen are similar to the secret police, or the SS in Nazi Germany. Books are illegal to own, and if a person is caught with a book in their possession, they are immediately thrown in jail. Captain Beatty, the novel's main antagonist, explains why the government decided to censor intellectual content. He tells Montag that books contain controversial ideas that are upsetting. These ideas can destabilize the government and create extensive displeasure throughout society. The dystopian society as a whole has rejected literature and its criticisms. Throughout history, numerous tyrannical regimes and governments have suppressed knowledge and censored controversial content. Freedom to challenge authority, express personal opinions, and record events are significant human rights. Bradbury addresses the issue of government censorship and creates an underground intellectual society. These "hobo intellectuals" represent the indomitable human will to preserve knowledge and freely express themselves.