In Fahrenheit 451 Beatty reveals something very important about himself and his knowledge. What is it?

Beatty reveals important information about the history of his profession, which is really a history of their society.  It opens Montag's eyes to how their society became so empty, miserable, and without real or grounding relationships or foundations.  In revealing this information though, Beatty exposes the fact that he is a very learned man, who has actually read thousands of books.  He is educated; he can quote books; he went through a rebellion, just like Montag is thinking of going through.  When we see Beatty, and learn about him, we don't pinpoint him as a man who at one point in time had doubts and questioned the integrity of his work; instead, we see him as a fierce chief, one who strictly believes and promotes the values of their current society.

This information about Beatty is revealed slowly, and we get the final bits of it in Montag's conversation with him at the fire house right before they are called to Montag's house.  He quotes line after line of literature at Montag, revealing just how learned he is.  At Montag's house, he reveals that he might have had quite a past with considering turning against the system himself.  This information is crucial, because it adds depth to Beatty, and shows us his dynamic character, and that he might not be the heartless captain that we thought he was. I hope those thoughts helped; good luck!