57 pages • 1 hour read
On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society
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Book Brief
367
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In On Killing, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman explores the psychological impact of killing on soldiers, arguing that extended combat and the act of killing cause significant trauma. He discusses the natural resistance humans have to killing, the factors that can override this inhibition, and the resulting psychological strain. Grossman also examines military conditioning techniques and their effects, the unique challenges faced by Vietnam veterans, and the societal consequences of exposure to media violence.
Informative
Unnerving
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
14,780 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dave Grossman's On Killing delves into the psychological effects of killing on soldiers, drawing acclaim for its in-depth research and compelling insights. However, some critique it as overly repetitive and question its broader applicability. Overall, it's praised for fostering understanding of combat stress and the moral weight of killing, but may be too focused on military contexts. Grossman, Dave. On Killing. Revised ed., Back Bay Books, 2009.
Who Should Read On Killing?
A reader who would enjoy On Killing by Dave Grossman is likely interested in psychology, military history, and the ethical dimensions of combat. They may also appreciate books like War by Sebastian Junger and The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien, which explore similar themes of warfare and its impacts on soldiers’ mental states.
14,780 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Vietnam Veterans
Vietnam Veterans
Combat soldiers from the Vietnam War, who were subjected to effective psychological conditioning, lacked sufficient post-war support, and faced societal hostility, contributing to a high rate of PTSD.
S.L.A. Marshall
S.L.A. Marshall
A U.S. Army historian during World War II known for his research on soldiers' firing rates in combat, which led to changes in military training to overcome the natural resistance to killing.
Ben Shalit
Ben Shalit
An Israeli military psychologist who developed a model focusing on the conditions under which soldiers are likely to kill, emphasizing the importance of factors such as motive, means, and opportunity.
367
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
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