In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the conversation between Yossarian and Major Danby reveals a critical perspective on self-interest. Yossarian expresses a desire to prioritize his own wellbeing, challenging the notion that one should always consider the collective good. His response to Danby's rhetorical question emphasizes a fundamental skepticism about the expected moral obligations to others.
This exchange underscores Yossarian's growing disillusionment with societal expectations, suggesting that if everyone acted solely in their...