Catch-22

by Joseph Heller

He had decided to live forever or die in the attempt, and his only mission each time he went up was to come down alive.

“Maybe a long life does have to be filled with many unpleasant conditions if it’s to seem long. But in that event, who wants one?” “I do,” Dunbar told him. “Why?” Clevinger asked. “What else is there?”

“How do you feel, Yossarian?” “Fine. No, I’m very frightened.” “That’s good,” said Major Danby. “It proves you’re still alive.