On Killing

What's On Killing about?

• Exploration of Killing in War: On Killing by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman examines the psychological cost of learning to kill in war and society, focusing on the innate resistance humans have to killing.
• Psychological and Social Aspects: It discusses how authority, group dynamics, and emotional distance influence a soldier's willingness to kill, and addresses the trauma and guilt associated with killing.
• Historical Context: Grossman uses historical examples and psychological studies to provide a comprehensive study of the act of killing throughout history.

Why should I read On Killing?

• Understanding Human Nature: The book offers profound insights into human nature, particularly regarding violence and aggression, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths.
• Relevance to Modern Society: Grossman connects themes of killing in war to contemporary issues like media violence, making it relevant for military personnel and civilians alike.
• Educational Resource: It serves as a valuable resource for military professionals, psychologists, and educators, providing a framework for understanding the psychological effects of combat and violence.

What are the key takeaways of On Killing?

• Resistance to Killing: Most individuals have a strong, instinctive resistance to killing, which can be overcome through conditioning, authority, and group dynamics.
• Psychological Trauma: Killing in combat leads to significant psychological trauma, guilt, and horror, with long-lasting effects on soldiers.
• Influence of Distance: Physical and emotional distance from the victim affects a soldier's ability to kill, with greater distance making it easier to commit violence without remorse.

What are the best quotes from On Killing and what do they mean?

• Innate Resistance: "The average and healthy individual... has such an inner and usually unrealized resistance towards killing a fellow man." This highlights the moral and psychological barriers to killing.
• Soldier's Paradox: "The soldier above all other people prays for peace, for they must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." It reflects the emotional toll of warfare on soldiers.
• Confronting War Realities: "It is to no purpose, it is even against one's better interest, to turn away from the consideration of the affair because the horror of its elements excites repugnance." Grossman argues for confronting the realities of war and killing.

How does [Author] define the psychological cost of killing?

• Psychological Burden: Grossman describes it as a heavy burden leading to long-term trauma and guilt, often manifesting in mental health issues like PTSD.
• Emotional Responses: Soldiers experience emotional stages after killing, including initial euphoria followed by guilt and horror, leading to psychological distress.
• Coping Mechanisms: Soldiers often cope through denial or rationalization, and understanding these mechanisms is crucial for addressing veterans' mental health needs.

What role does authority play in the act of killing according to On Killing?

• Influence of Command: Authority figures can significantly influence a soldier's decision to kill, with commanding officers compelling soldiers to act against their instincts.
• Milgram's Experiment: Grossman references Milgram's studies, showing individuals' willingness to inflict harm when directed by authority, illustrating authority's power in overcoming moral objections.
• Group Dynamics: Group cohesion and peer pressure further enable killing behavior, with soldiers more likely to kill when accountable to comrades and leaders.

How does On Killing relate to media violence?

• Desensitization: Grossman argues that media violence desensitizes individuals, making them more likely to accept violence as a norm, leading to increased societal aggression.
• Conditioning Effects: Media violence conditions individuals, especially children, to respond to conflict with aggression, paralleling military conditioning techniques.
• Cultural Impact: The normalization of violence in media contributes to real-world violence and aggression, connecting media themes to broader societal issues.

What is the significance of the "Well of Fortitude" concept in On Killing?

• Emotional Resilience: The "Well of Fortitude" represents the emotional stamina soldiers draw upon during combat, which depletes under stress, leading to psychological breakdown.
• Cumulative Stress: Continuous combat stress drains a soldier's fortitude, resulting in exhaustion and mental health issues, highlighting the need for rest and recuperation.
• Leadership Influence: Effective leaders can help replenish soldiers' fortitude through support and encouragement, sustaining morale and resilience.

How does Grossman address the concept of killing at different ranges?

• Distance and Killing: Grossman categorizes killing into various ranges and discusses how distance affects willingness to kill, with greater distance making it easier to commit violence.
• Emotional Impact: Close-range killing often involves intense emotional responses like guilt and horror, contrasting with the lesser emotional impact of long-range killing.
• Psychological Mechanisms: Emotional and physical distance buffer the killer from the reality of their actions, enabling killing at different distances.

What are the implications of On Killing for understanding combat trauma?

• Recognition of Trauma: Grossman emphasizes recognizing and addressing the psychological trauma associated with killing in combat, essential for supporting veterans.
• Coping Strategies: Soldiers use coping strategies like denial and rationalization to deal with the psychological cost of killing, affecting long-term mental health.
• Need for Support: Grossman advocates for better mental health support for soldiers and veterans, highlighting the importance of addressing combat experiences' emotional impacts.

How does [Author] explain the influence of group dynamics on killing?

• Peer Pressure: Group dynamics, including peer pressure, can significantly influence a soldier's willingness to kill, as soldiers often act in accordance with group expectations.
• Cohesion and Accountability: Soldiers are more likely to kill when they feel accountable to their comrades and leaders, with group cohesion playing a crucial role.
• Moral Support: The presence of a supportive group can help soldiers rationalize their actions, reducing individual moral objections to killing.

How does [Author] connect historical examples to the psychological aspects of killing?

• Historical Context: Grossman uses historical examples to illustrate the psychological aspects of killing, providing a comprehensive understanding of the act throughout history.
• Psychological Studies: He draws on psychological studies to support his arguments, showing how historical and psychological perspectives intersect.
• Illustrative Examples: These examples help readers understand the complexities of killing, offering insights into the factors that influence soldiers' actions across different eras.