In "Any Old Iron," Anthony Burgess reflects on the nature of destruction, particularly in the context of terrorism. He suggests that the act of destruction often exists for its own sake, lacking any true purpose. However, people tend to disguise these destructive actions under the guise of religion or nationalistic fervor, which gives them an illusion of creativity or justification.

This manipulation of destructive intentions allows individuals or groups to mask violence with noble causes, making their actions appear more acceptable. Burgess highlights the dangers of this pretense, illustrating how such justifications can lead to significant harm in society while obscuring the underlying motivations.