"That men would die was a matter of necessity; which men would die, though, was a matter of circumstance, and Yossarian was willing to be the victim of...












It doesn't make a damned bit of difference who wins the war to someone who's dead.

More Joseph Heller quotes
"Frankly I'd like to see the government get out of war altogether and leave the whole field to private industry.
"Just about all he could find in its favor was that it paid well and liberated children from the pernicious influence of their parents.
"Four times during the first six days they were assembled and briefed and then sent back. Once, they took off and were flying in formation when the con...
"The enemy is anybody who's going to get you killed, no matter which side he is on.
"History did not demand Yossarian's premature demise, justice could be satisfied without it, progress did not hinge upon it, victory did not depend on ...
"All through the night, men looked at the sky and were saddened by the stars.
"Major Major never sees anyone in his office while he's in his office.
"-You have no respect for excessive authority or obsolete traditions. You're dangerous and depraved, and you ought to be taken outside and shot!
"The enemy," retorted Yossarian with weighted precision, "is anybody who's going to get you killed, no matter which side he's on, and that includes Col...
"He had decided to live forever or die in the attempt...
"There were usually not nearly as many sick people inside the hospital as Yossarian saw outside the hospital, and there were generally fewer people ins...
"General Peckem even recommends that we send our men into combat in full-dress uniform so they'll make a good impression on the enemy when they're shot...