Everything passes. (That's what makes it endurable)

Everything passes. (That's what makes it endurable)

Joseph Heller, the renowned author of the satirical novel "Catch-22," was a master at capturing the absurdity and chaos of life. One of the recurring themes in his work is the idea that everything passes, and it is this very impermanence that makes life bearable.

In "Catch-22," Heller explores the futility and madness of war through the eyes of Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier in World War II. Yossarian is caught in a bureaucratic nightmare, where he is forced to fly dangerous missions with no end in sight. The infamous catch-22, a paradoxical rule that states a man must be insane to fly dangerous missions, but if he requests to be grounded for being insane, he is deemed sane and must continue flying, perfectly encapsulates the absurdity of war and the human condition.

Throughout the novel, Heller reminds us that everything passes, even the most dire situations. Yossarian and his fellow soldiers endure endless suffering and loss, but they find moments of humor and camaraderie that help them cope with the madness around them. It is this ability to find humor and connection in the face of adversity that allows them to endure the unendurable.

Heller's message is a powerful one – life is fleeting and unpredictable, but it is this very impermanence that gives it meaning. The struggles we face, the pain we endure, the moments of joy and connection – they all pass, but they shape who we are and give our lives depth and richness.