In Norman Mailer's work "The Naked and the Dead," the author makes a striking analogy about the futility of trying to solve deeper issues through aggressive means. The quote suggests that attempting to remedy a significant problem, like fighting a war, is as ineffective as seeking a quick fix for an infection in improper circumstances. This highlights the misguided nature of using violence as a solution to complex dilemmas.

Mailer’s perspective emphasizes the inherent contradictions in pursuing aggressive strategies to address fundamental issues. It serves as a critique of the approach often taken in conflicts, indicating that superficial actions will not lead to true resolutions. By comparing war to a misguided attempt at a sexual remedy, he underscores the absurdity of the situation and encourages readers to reflect on more meaningful solutions to societal problems.