The Evils of Capitalism Exposed in Catch-22"That's a problem, that Catch-22" (47). Some problems indeed, because Catch-22 "is the best there is" (47). A strange paradox that prevents men from being grounded under any circumstances, Catch-22 eventually evolves into a justification for doing just about anything. After all, he “says that [anyone] can do anything [that] we cannot stop him from doing” (416). A less obvious, but equally powerful, validation for one's actions is the guarantee of profit. “[It is] strange how many mistakes by leaving money [seem] to be corrected” (418), for the promise or presence of some form of profit, also corrects the mistakes guaranteed by Catch-22. Milo Minderbinder takes full advantage of this powerful reasoning and uses it extremely well. Yet, instead of using it to right wrongs, Milo uses it to justify his own dastardly actions. Therefore, throughout Catch-22, Milo's capitalistic greed leads him to be the emblem of evil. Milo spends most of his time in the military traveling around Europe, the Middle East and Africa looking for the best deal. Using "donated military equipment" (239) he buys and sells various items for maximum profit. Rather than fly on missions, Milo tries to make money, using his time abroad. After all, Milo "didn't start this war...[he's] just trying to put it on a professional footing" (262). This attitude leads Milo to found a union, in which "everyone has a part" (238-239). This proposed solution puts everyone at ease, so much so that it leads to general sloth. Since "everyone [has] a share, ... men [get fat] and [move] meekly with toothpicks in their greasy lips" (259). One by one, men succumb to the allure of abundance as well as their inner greed... middle of paper ......avoids and resists many things that bring him closer to death or the violation of his morals. Whether it's Aarfy, Colonel Cathcart, or the war itself, Yossarian distances himself from the evil in question. Ironically, rebellious as he is, Yossarian fails to overcome the union's limitations and befriends its owner. Yossarian doesn't even attempt to do otherwise, because he too "slumped backward in a contented stupor, his mouth clouded with a succulent residue" (22); Yossarian had become one of the men who "grew fat and walked around with toothpicks in their greasy lips" (259). Thus, even those who refuse to conform to other standards are corrupted by the sweet enticements and innocent appearance of capitalism. The novel therefore ends on the note that no one remains free from such a powerful force. Works Cited Heller, Joseph. Capture-22. New York: Knopf, Inc., 1995.