In Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22," the story explores the absurdities of war and bureaucracy through the experiences of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier during World War II. The term "Catch-22" refers to a paradoxical rule that traps soldiers in a cycle of impossibility, where they cannot escape dangerous situations because of contradictory regulations. This highlights the frustrations and helplessness individuals face within an illogical system.

The quote, "Catch-22 says they have the right to do anything we can't stop them from doing," encapsulates the power dynamics in the novel. It emphasizes how authority figures exploit their positions to impose limitations on those unable to challenge them. This sentiment resonates beyond the novel, reflecting real-life situations where regulations prevent individuals from asserting their rights or fighting against oppressive systems, underscoring a broader commentary on the nature of power and control.