It doesn't matter whether they mean it or not. That's why they make little kids pledge allegiance even before they know what 'pledge' and 'allegiance' mean.
The quote from Joseph Heller's "Catch-22" highlights the idea that actions often take precedence over understanding or sincerity. It speaks to the concept that children are taught to pledge allegiance to their country without fully grasping the meaning behind the words they are saying. This illustrates how society instills certain values and beliefs in individuals from a young age, regardless of their personal comprehension or intent.
This practice underscores a broader commentary on social conditioning, suggesting that adherence to rituals and pledges can be more important than genuine belief or intention. Heller critiques the absurdity of such traditions, as individuals are made to conform to societal expectations without questioning their significance. In this sense, the quote encapsulates the theme of blind obedience that permeates the narrative of "Catch-22."
