The quote from Joseph Heller's "Catch-22" highlights the futility of cheating and the idea that dishonesty can lead to inevitable failure. It suggests that even when one tries to manipulate the rules or gain an advantage through deceit, success remains elusive. This illustrates the competition among individuals who employ similar unethical strategies, implying that the game is never truly won by those who rely on cheating.

Furthermore, this notion reflects a larger commentary on the absurdity of war and the nature of conflict as portrayed in the novel. Those engaged in deceitful tactics often find themselves in a cycle of one-upmanship, where the lines between right and wrong blur. Ultimately, Heller communicates a deeper truth about human behavior and the complexities of moral integrity in trying times.