In Salman Rushdie's memoir "Joseph Anton," he reflects on the dangers of censorship and the violence that can arise from oppressive regimes. The quote, "Where they burn books they will in the end burn people too," serves as a powerful warning about the consequences of silencing dissent and erasing intellectual thought. It emphasizes the connection between the destruction of literature and the potential for greater atrocities against humanity.

Rushdie’s words remind us that the act of burning books is not merely a cultural loss; it symbolizes a broader disregard for individual rights and freedoms. This cycle of oppression can lead to severe consequences, as history has shown that societies which attack knowledge and creativity often descend into brutal practices against their own people. The quote resonates as a call to protect freedom of expression in all forms.