On Killing

The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society

By: Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

Narrated by: Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

The revised and updated edition of Lt. Col. Dave Grossman's modern classic about the psychology of combat, hailed by the Washington Post as "an illuminating account of how soldiers learn to kill and how they live with the experiences of having killed". In World War II, only 15 to 20 percent of combat infantry were willing to fire their rifles. In Korea, about 50 percent. In Vietnam, the figure rose to more than 90 percent.

The good news is that most soldiers are loath to kill. But armies have developed sophisticated ways sophisticated ways of overcoming that instinctive aversion. The psychological cost for soldiers, as evidenced by the increase in post-traumatic stress, is devastating. This landmark study brilliantly illuminates the techniques the military uses to help soldiers kill and raises vital questions about the implications of escalating violence in our society.

©2009 David Grossman (P)2009 David Grossman

Critic reviews

"This important book deserves a wide readership." ( Library Journal)

"Powerfully argued...Full of arresting observations and insights." (New York Times)

Terrible and beautiful

The content of this book is terrifying, yet the potential good implications of it are beautiful. I highly recommend anyone who has any form of authority whether the simple authority to vote or the more important as a parent or leader in society to listen well and consider fully the implications of what lies within this book.

Well researched until the last section

This book was highly recommended by several sources I trust. Almost all the way through I found Col. Grossman's concepts impeccably researched and well stated. I learned much. But his final section on modern entertainment and video games ruining our children was the exact opposite. Full of claims and short on evidence. Sad that such an important work is tainted by ideology in the end. But the rest of the book is worth the cost and not tainted like the final section. I still recommend it.

makes perfect sense

this showed me how my training in firearms and tactics have made it easier to have a conditioned response and how I am better prepared for the fight

Questionable conclusions, riveting subject

Don’t completely agree with the authors final conclusions regarding censorship and especially behavioralist analysis of our culture and it’s current trends. The book overall was impressive in its detail and illustrative in its dissection of the general issues of the subject of ‘killing’. RECOMMENDED!

You will be forever changed

The intensity of this book is not for the faint of heart, but it is necessary for the individual who is looking to understand why today’s state of affairs exist.

On Killing

This is an absolutely incredible read. It is hard to put down. The author is an amazing person. Would fully recommend this one!

Among the Most Tremendous Books Ever Written

The depth of insight alone makes this book essential reading for every member of the human race. As the author points out, the topics of sex and violence are among the most relevant, yet least well-discussed facets of human reality and experience. This book is a study into the interplay between human psychology and the reality of violence, in war and society. Aside from the content of this book, there is hardly a wasted sentence, nor one that does not provoke thought and deeper understanding of the topics discussed. Few books come close to the insight, literary demonstration, and genuine inspiration, as this one. It truly must be read to be understood fully. It is among the top five most influential and illuminating texts which I have read in my albeit very limited experience as a student of conflict and history.

A small note: Because this book is read by the author, it is lent a further degree of sincerity, depth, and intensity. That said, it can be difficult to understand the reader without a fair degree of extra volume. Some readers may prefer the written version.

Informative

A bit tedious but very good read. Highly recommend for military members, veterans and their families.

Very interesting and informative

very interesting and informative, I would recommend this to anyone interested in such a subject. The author can get very monotone however, and at some points it may be easy to lose focus while he speaks at the same volume and tone as any other part, but overall it's a well done audiobook.

Necessary read for military members and civilians

Grossman’s book is a well thought-out and researched attempt at understanding/explaining how military members are trained to kill (but not truly trained in how to actually deal with the fact of killing). He also connects these concepts to modern day American society, and how societal factors seem to also be desensitizing our citizens (especially, our children). Great book, great audio version as well.