No one genuinely seeks war, yet when it arrives, it is crucial that it be a just cause that addresses significant issues. If one must engage in conflict, it is fitting to be recognized as Rushdie, reflecting a legacy that connects him to a profound philosophical tradition. This invokes the thoughts of great thinkers like Aristotle and Averroës, highlighting his position in a lineage of intellectual responsibility.

In "Joseph Anton: A Memoir," Salman Rushdie emphasizes the notion that participation in war should be for a purpose that aligns with core values and principles. Identifying with such a celebrated tradition serves to reinforce the idea that fighting for meaningful causes elevates both the individual and the conflict itself, positioning it within a framework of historical and moral significance.