What is 'Catch 22?'

Linus

Linus says: A novel by Joseph Heller. It describes a situation which it is impossible for the subject to resolve. For example, someone applies for a job but is declined because they have no experience. But they cannot gain any experience because they cannot get the job... Sun Mar 23 14:33:09 CST 2003 The following is an excerpt from the book which explains Catch-22: 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. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was {ask;} and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have {to;} but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle. 'That's some catch, that Catch-22,' he observed. 'It's the best there is,' Doc Daneeka agreed. Sun Mar 23 14:48:37 CST 2003 (Reposted as one entry - McG) Mar 31 03, 9:45 AM