The overall purpose of these quotes is to confuse Montag and show him that books don't all agree; that authors put forth contrasting opinions. The first one is saying that words and books can teach, which the second and third quotes indicate that it is foolish to uphold quotes, especially quotes out of context, as truisms. All of this Beatty screams at Montag because he knows that Montag is having doubts about their society and especially the firemen's role in society as book burners. Beatty realizes that Montag not only has and has read books but is beginning to believe some of what he's read in those books and in what some people have said to him (Clarisse and Faber). While Beatty tries to use these seemingly opposing quotes as proof of the contradictory nature of books and authors, it really only gives fuel to Montag's beliefs. The quotes show that it is acceptable for people to express opposing viewpoints and books help to illuminate these differences, giving readers the ability to form their own enlightened opinions. Beatty and the government of "Fahrenheit 451" do not want people thinking for themselves and forming their own opinions. It's much harder to herd people who think than it is to herd people who simply follow the flashiest speaker.
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