What does the reader learn about beatty after fire at old womans house?

Beatty admits that he does not fully understand why books are considered dangerous; he simply follows orders because he is a product of his society. His inner conflict becomes evident when he says, “I don't know. I guess they're afraid of them. I don't know. Probably because they seem so fragile.” This admission implies that Beatty, like many members of the society, is struggling with cognitive dissonance. He has been conditioned to believe that books are harmful and must be destroyed, but deep down he may harbor some doubts about the legitimacy of this belief.