In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the character Doc Daneeka expresses the idea that personal relationships and exchanges are built on mutual benefit, emphasizing the importance of reciprocity in social interactions. He uses the phrase "a little grease is what makes this world go round" to illustrate how people help one another to get what they want, suggesting that cooperation is essential for navigating life’s complexities.

When Yossarian misunderstands this sentiment, taking it literally and beginning to scratch Doc Daneeka's back, it highlights the absurdity and confusion prevalent in their world. This interaction showcases the themes of miscommunication and the ironic nature of the characters' realities, with Heller drawing attention to the farcical elements of human relationships within the chaotic environment of war.