On Killing

In this revised and updated edition of his influential work, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman delves into the psychology of combat, exploring the complex relationship between soldiers and the act of killing. He reveals that, contrary to common belief, most soldiers initially resist killing, supported by historical data from various conflicts. Grossman discusses the techniques modern armies employ to condition soldiers to overcome this reluctance and highlights the psychological toll it takes on them post-combat. He also draws alarming parallels between military conditioning methods and contemporary media, suggesting that the violent content prevalent in films, television, and video games may contribute to increasing violence in civilian society, particularly among youth.