Certainly Quote by Joseph Heller

“...[A]nything worth dying for ... is certainly worth living for.”

Joseph Heller

About This Quote

Source Novel: Catch‑22, 1961

Valuing something enough to risk death makes life itself valuable.

In simple terms: Risking for a cause gives life meaning.

Key Takeaway

Embrace purpose despite danger.

Themes

purpose risk valor

Mood

determined hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

military service
activism
personal goals

Key Concepts

existentialism heroism sacrifice

Questions to Reflect On

What cause justifies risk?
How do you balance risk and reward?

A Different Perspective

Risk can be reckless without wisdom.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3.5 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Joseph Heller

“Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle. "That's some catch, that…

Joseph Heller

Image

From men motivated by moral certitude, history teaches, no lasting good ever comes.

Joseph Heller

Image

I’m cold,' Snowden said softly, 'I’m cold.' 'You’re going to be all right, kid,' Yossarian reassured him with a grin. 'You’re going to be…

Joseph Heller

Image

The enemy is anybody who's going to get you killed, no matter which side he's on.

Joseph Heller

Image

“They think that they’re smart and that the rest of us are dumb.”

Joseph Heller

Image

“There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's safety in the face of dangers that were…

Joseph Heller

Image

“Captain Flume was obsessed with the idea that Chief White Halfoat would tiptoe up to his cot one night when he was sound asleep…

Joseph Heller

Image

“Depreciating motels, junked automobiles, and quick-food joints grow like amber waves of grain.”

Joseph Heller

Image

“That was where he wanted to be if he had to be there at all, instead of hung out there in front like some…

Joseph Heller

Image

I had examined myself pretty thoroughly and discovered that I was unfit for military service.

Joseph Heller

Image

“Yossarian was moved by such intense pity for his poverty that he wanted to smash his pale. sad, sickly face with his fist and…

Joseph Heller

Image

You have deep-seated survival anxieties. And you don't like bigots, bullies, snobs or hypocrites. Subconsciously there are many people you hate." "Consciously, sir, consciously,"…

Joseph Heller

Image

Explore all 420 Joseph Heller quotes

More Certainly quotes

For not only every democracy, but certainly every republic, bears within itself the seeds of its own destruction.

Anonymous

Image

Ambition drives you on, ability certainly helps, but the fickle finger of fate and luck are great things.

Fergus Henderson

Image

I would have done well as a gypsy child, I think. A circus baby. I coulda played a great street urchin or ragamuffin. Or…

Natasha Lyonne

Image

I mean those people who are interested in good government will certainly contribute in order to make certain there's some counter-balance to those whose…

Stephen Breyer

Image

I'm certainly not a perfect mother, but I'm trying to be what my mother wasn't for me. My mother's battled depression, so I understand…

Dorothy Hamill

Image

Design certainly has a cosmetic, aesthetic aim. It always aims at making things beautiful. But relevance is just as important. I often say, 'If…

Yves Behar

Image

If we can send a guy to the moon we can certainly go a quarter of a mile and not get hurt.

Don Prudhomme

Image

I've certainly seen a lot of my cartoonist friends embrace 'Little Lulu' in a much deeper way because their kids love it so much.…

Seth

Image

Righteousness and faith certainly are instrumental in moving mountains - if moving mountains accomplishes God's purposes and is in accordance with His will.

David A. Bednar