In this passage from "Chronic City" by Jonathan Lethem, the narrator reflects on the chaotic nature of language and its complexities. The speaker feels overwhelmed by a jumble of thoughts and words that are disorganized in the mind, much like a disheveled office where important documents are lost amidst clutter. This metaphor illustrates a struggle with communication, where meaning seems elusive and the mental process is automatic yet lacking in true comprehension.

The narrator likens their use of language to a dog driving a car, highlighting a kind of ignorance about the underlying mechanics of communication. This analogy emphasizes the disconnect between the act of speaking and the understanding of language's origins or its functionality. The writer expresses a sense of futility in making sense of the inherent histories and intricacies of words, suggesting that language, while an essential tool, can feel like a mysterious and sometimes confounding construct.