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About this quote

What does it mean?
The war continues despite individual suffering, and society rewards madness with honor.
In plain terms
War goes on while men go mad and get medals for it.
What can you take from it?
Society often glorifies irrational destruction.

Where it applies

  • conflict zones
  • corporate culture
  • political systems

Putting it to work

  • critique military awards
  • analyze propaganda
  • question heroism

Questions to consider

  • When does sacrifice become madness?
  • Who defines heroism?

Another view

Not all recognition is undeserved.

More from Joseph Heller

  1. The case against Clevinger was open and shut. The only thing missing was something to charge him with.

    Permalink to quote #12
  2. 'Climb, you bastard! Climb, climb, climb, climb! '

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three.

    Permalink to quote #11

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