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)

brilliantly written! it is somewhat repetitive

he repeats some of the same idea as his other book on killing. overall this is a fantastic book!

Great informative listen

This was a great listen. Answered a lot of questions and put sense to a lot of rumor. Only wish someone else read it. The author should've left that to the professional audible readers. He's very monotone and speaks very low and softly. Had volume turned all the way up and still had to back track to hear certain things. But the content and his research is absolutely note worthy of hard-working and dedication to the subject. Answered alot of questions I have struggled with and had a very positive impact. Thank you Sir.

Great read for any Veteran

Anyone wanting to understand post traumatic stress disorder and things that are placed in a society to make it more violent should read this book.

Fantastic Narration, Thoughy Provoking Subject

I enjoyed learning about the psychology of killing from multiple perspectives and angles. I don’t think I will look at the subject the same way again.

Enlightening

The author of this book with his extensive knowledge and training on the subject, has written a novel that probably needs to be read by everyone. Most everything in this book I already knew, and understand, but the last chapter was eye-opening.

What now?

Very provocative book that makes one think of the implications for society of making people more effective at killing. Let us hope that we don't become a warrior society. What are the options? Where do we go from here?

Insightful

Helps open up the concept of killing on a wider perspective. Uncovers conditioning and it’s effects on the military and society.

Excellent read for anyone

Where does On Killing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have read this book in print and also now in audio. Dave was a very good narrator as well as author. This book provides excellent perspective on many aspects of both life and war.

What did you like best about this story?

Even as a 35 yom it gave me a different view of every war conflict the united states has ever been involved in. The way we treated veterans especially from Vietnam was disgusting and shameful. It gives me hope that we will look back at how we treat police officers in 2016 and people will be ashamed with themselves for how they acted as well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I was glues it took me a few days to finish this book.

Any additional comments?

Dave did a great job all around. Though some of his views may be a little zoned in for some. He is still a very smart and insightful man. I encourage anyone to read, anyone.

CCW must listen

Believe this book a must for any one going into the military or planning to CCW a firearm for personal protection. Also along with On Killing you should also read or listen to On Combat by Col. Grossman. They will truly help you understand what you are possibly signing yourself up for.

Sensational training guide for Security and LE.

Understand the psychological and physiological aspect of lethal encounters, the training prior and the aftermath.