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)

ccs review

the convenience of titles such as this in the audio format greatly enables my ability to complete my educational requirements.

Great book for anyone in the military

Very insightful book on killing throughout the ages. Read it for the Commadant's Reading list.

a great overview

great book, does a great job of breaking down how war has changed significantly in the past century.

Lt. Col Grossman shares hard earned wisdom

The first time i saw him speak in person i was in awe. He understood the strategic global environment in a way I will never forget because i had been waiting years to hear someone say the words he so eloquently said. I immediately purchased his books and reread them when I hear the type of hyperbolic rhetoric that pervades our airwaves about war, patriotism, and what it means to be American. On Killing goes beyond the the lessons of On Combat to expose the realities I hope few of us ever have to experience first hand. I am but a mere USAFA grad, but I feel this book can provide valuable insights to all citizens and I highly recommend it.

Powerful Insights to The Mental Aspects of War

The mental aspect of war the combative , and non-combative service members endure are intense. The book covers in dept, but simple terms the full spectrum of what it is, how it happens, and the ways to cope with it.
I served 14 years in the military, non of it direct combat, or as explained close range death. So to hear this and have a better understanding has given me insight of how to deal with some issues. In addtion, to what some of my closest brothers in arms deal with; gives me a better understanding on how to talk with them and help us deal with these emotions.
I look forward to reading/listening to the follow on book "On Combat".

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.