Talha Mumtaz ✔️'s Key Ideas from Catch-22
by Joseph Heller

The novel portrays war as irrational and absurd, highlighting the senselessness of violence and the chaos it breeds. Characters are caught in illogical circumstances with no way out.

“Insanity is contagious.”

Yossarian, the protagonist, feels trapped by systems beyond his control. His desire to survive is continuously blocked by rules like Catch-22, which undermines any sense of true autonomy.

“The enemy is anybody who’s going to get you killed, no matter which side he’s on.”

Military bureaucracy is depicted as nonsensical and self-serving. Orders and policies prioritize the interests of higher-ups rather than the well-being of the soldiers.

“Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.”

The book is populated with absurd, satirical characters—such as Major Major and Doc Daneeka—who embody the irrationality and inefficiency of military and governmental systems.

“He was going to live forever, or die in the attempt.”

Yossarian’s primary goal is survival, and he is willing to go to extreme lengths to avoid death. This self-preservation pits him against both his comrades and the system.

“Yossarian would never be able to escape the jungle of doubt and ambiguity surrounding him.”

The novel questions the moral justifications for war, exploring how violence, survival, and duty blur the lines between good and evil.

“What does a sane man do in an insane society?”

Soldiers are reduced to numbers and expendable resources. Their humanity is stripped away as they are shuffled between missions, often at the cost of their lives or sanity.

“He was a self-made man who owed his lack of success to nobody.”

Insanity in the novel is portrayed as a reasonable response to an insane world. Many characters embody various forms of madness, whether through blind obedience or rebellion.

“Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t after you.”

Commanding officers exploit their soldiers for personal gain or career advancement. They use their authority to protect themselves while making decisions that endanger others.

“Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can’t stop them from doing.”