catch 22
A Catch-22, coined by Joseph Heller in his novel Catch-22, is a logical paradox arising from a situation in which an individual needs something that can only be acquired by not being in that very situation; therefore, the acquisition of this thing becomes logically impossible. [1]
Some solution to this Catch 22 situation is long overdue…” - Word From the Streets: The Plight of the Informal Sector; The National (Papua New Guinea); May 19, 2003. [2]
He went on to teach English at Pennsylvania State University, then worked in magazine publishing, meanwhile writing the novel Catch-22 in his free time. [3]
The novel, set during the later stages of World War II from 1944 onwards, is frequently cited as one of the great literary works of the twentieth century. [4]
The archetypal Catch-22, as formulated by Heller, involves the case of John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces bombardier, who wishes to be grounded from combat flight. [1]
A novel set on an American Army Air Force base on the island of Pianosa off the coast of Italy during the last years of World War II (approximately 1944-45); published in 1961. [...] The story recounts the efforts of the protagonist, Captain Yossarian, to gain a discharge despite the insane regulations of the military bureaucracy. [3]
Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle. [4]
Born May 1, 1923, Joseph Heller flew as a bombardier on some sixty combat missions for the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. [3]
Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn’t, but if he was sane he had to fly them. [5]
At the same time, if an evaluation is not requested by the pilot, he will never receive one and thus can never be found insane, meaning he must also fly in combat. [...]… to be evaluated, he must request the evaluation, an act that is considered sufficient proof for being declared sane. [1]
Catch-22 is a satirical, historical novel by the American author Joseph Heller, first published in 1961. [4]
The term gained currency as the title of a 1961 war novel by Joseph Heller, who referred to an Air Force rule whereby a pilot continuing to fly combat missions without asking for relief is regarded as insane, but is considered sane enough to continue flying if he does make such a request. [5]
The only way a pilot would be grounded is if he were truly crazy, but if he asked to be grounded, he was then considered sane and would not be grounded. [2]
Sources:
[1] Catch-22 (logic) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[2] Catch-22: Definition from Answers.com - Answers.com: Wiki Q&A …
[3] Catch-22: Information from Answers.com - Answers.com: Wiki Q&A …
[4] Catch-22 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[5] Catch-22 | Define Catch-22 at Dictionary.com