In Joseph Anton: A Memoir, Salman Rushdie reflects on the complexities of human existence, suggesting that life is often disordered rather than elegantly shaped. He argues that the meaningfulness of life occurs sporadically, indicating a struggle between substance and form. This implies that people's experiences and actions are frequently more about their essence and timing than about their execution and reasoning.

Rushdie's perspective highlights the inherent clumsiness of life, suggesting that we often value the tangible aspects of our experiences over deeper aesthetics. He presents the idea that a true understanding of life comes not from a perfect structure but from recognizing the chaos that accompanies our journeys.