The quote from Joseph Heller's "Catch-22" reflects a central theme of the book: the absurdity of bureaucratic thinking and the arrogance of those in power. It suggests that some individuals believe they possess superior intelligence, perceiving others as less competent. This mindset fosters a disconnect between authority and the people affected by their decisions, highlighting a critique of military and institutional logic.

The phrase encapsulates the frustration experienced by characters who are caught in a system that values conformity over reasoning. The sense of futility in attempting to reason with those who consider themselves infallible emphasizes the novel's exploration of the paradoxes and challenges faced by individuals navigating a nonsensical world.