Joseph Heller's 1961 novel Catch-22 is undoubtedly one of the most important literary works of the 20th century. Though it was first published 60 years ago, Heller's scathing satire about the futility and absurdity of war continues to haunt and move listeners today. Set during World War II, the novel mostly concerns the actions of Captain John Yossarian and his comrades in the fictional 256th US Army Air Squadron. Heller explores many hefty themes, which, along with Heller's sharp, observant, and lyrical prose, make the book fertile ground for thought-provoking discussions and memorable quotes.
Below you'll find 40+ of the best quotes reflecting some of the book's central themes. Though there are certainly more worthy quotes in this incomparable listen, this collection cuts to the heart of the novel and will leave you thinking.
The best quotes from Catch-22 on absurdity and paradox
“There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one’s safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind.”
“That’s some catch, that Catch-22.”
“Catch-22 did not exist, he was positive of that, but it made no difference. What did matter was that everyone thought it existed, and that was much worse …”
“It’s the best there is.”
“Sure, there’s a catch … Catch-22.”
“You don’t get any older than that.”
“He was going to live forever, or die in the attempt.”
The best quotes from Catch-22 on war, survival & danger
“The enemy is anybody who’s going to get you killed, no matter which side he is on.”
“Men went mad and were rewarded with medals.”
“You’re wasting your time.”
“What else is there?”
“Insanity is contagious. This is the only sane ward in the whole hospital. Everybody is crazy but us.”
“You must always carry your wits, even when they try to wander off.”
“The spirit gone, man is garbage.”
The best quotes from Catch-22 on authority, power & bureaucracy
“No, you can’t go home … Catch-22.”
“Anyone who wants to get out of combat duty isn’t really crazy.”
“They’re trying to kill everyone.”
“Of course they’re crazy … you can’t let crazy people decide whether you’re crazy or not.”
“You have a morbid aversion to dying … I’m absolutely incensed.”
“Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.”
“Even among men lacking all distinction he inevitably stood out as a man lacking more distinction than all the rest … people met him and were always impressed by how unimpressive he was.”
“Anyone who wants to get out of combat duty isn’t really crazy.”
The best quotes from Catch-22 on sanity, identity & self
“I’m not running away from my responsibilities. I’m running to them.”
“Dunbar loved shooting skeet because he hated every minute of it … the time passed so slowly.”
“What displeased Corporal Whitcomb most … was [the chaplain’s] lack of initiative and aggressiveness.”
“He knew everything there was to know about literature, except how to enjoy it.”
“When you turn back from a mission, try to make sure it’s for something important … not for something unimportant.”
“I did it in a moment of weakness … I was trying to save my life.”
“I’m not running away from my responsibilities. I’m running to them.”
The best quotes from Catch-22 on mortality, limits & death
“Death was irreversible, he suspected, and he began to think he was going to lose.”
“Well, he died. You don’t get any older than that.”
“Some men are born mediocre … and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.”
“Snowden’s secret: Man was matter. Drop him out a window, and he’ll fall. Set fire to him and he’ll burn. Bury him and he’ll rot … The spirit gone, man is garbage.”
“My only fault … is that I have no faults.”
“In a state of innocence.”
“My only fault … is that I have no faults.”
The best quotes from Catch-22 on choice, freedom & desperation
“What makes you so sure Major Major is a Communist? … You never heard him denying it until we began accusing him, did you?”
“Just because they’re small doesn’t mean they’re unimportant.”
“Born mediocre, they achieved mediocrity through hard work and thrust upon them the wisdom of the angels.”
“I think I am in love with her.”
“What, do you want from him? … He didn’t do anything.”
The best quotes from Catch-22 on wit, irony & dark humor
“You don’t get any older than that.”
“What target?” “What bombs?” “What the hell.”
