The word agriculture was coined in the 15th-century, but the process of cultivating the land to grow food has been in existence for much longer. Early farmers developed crops and livestock mainly to feed their families and local people.
Professor Faber is a retired English professor. He is a self-described coward, whom Montag turns to when he fails to understand the content of the books he's collected. Montag pushes Faber into conspiring with him to create change, although Faber believes they're too late to have any real effect. Montag's actions inspire the professor, however. It is Faber's voice in Montag's ear (via a two-way radio) that allows Montag to cope with Captain Beatty. Faber also reads to Montag through the earpiece, thus allowing Montag to hear and unknowingly retain literature.
Professor Faber Faber was a professor of English before the new laws supplanted the need for literature teachers. Now living by himself, he passes his time recalling the books he has read in the past and tinkering with new inventions. When Montag is desperately in need of a friend and confidante, he thinks about Faber. He recalls that he once saw the old professor hiding something under his shirt, which obviously was a book. As a result, Montag thinks he may find for himself a helper and teacher in Faber. When Montag first calls on Faber, the old professor is not interested in admitting him.