#3606

Mentioned in 8 episodes

On Killing

The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society

Book • 1995

In 'On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society,' Lt. Col. Dave Grossman explores the psychology of the act of killing and its implications on soldiers and society.

The book is based on S.L. A.

Marshall's studies from World War II, which revealed that most soldiers do not fire their weapons due to an innate resistance to killing.

Grossman details how military training has evolved to overcome this resistance, resulting in significantly higher firing rates in subsequent wars.

He also discusses the psychological costs of killing, including post-traumatic stress, and raises questions about the impact of escalating violence in society.

The book has been widely acclaimed and is on the U.S.

Marine Corps' Commandant’s Required Reading List and required reading at the FBI Academy.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 8 episodes

Mentioned by

Dan Carlin

when discussing the high rates of psychiatric casualties during World War II.

285 snips

Show 66 - Supernova in the East V

Mentioned by

Jay Cal

in reference to the influence of proximity on the act of killing.

60 snips

#214 Jay Cal - SAS Operator Charged with Murder

Mentioned by David Grossman, highlighting that man is not by nature a killer.

11 snips

The Psychology of War – Are We Doomed to Destroy Ourselves?

Recommended by

Dan Bongino

as a life-changing book about killing, war, and the roles of sheep, sheepdogs, and wolves.

A Massive Shake Up On The Trump Transition (Ep. 2376)

Referenced by

Chris Smith

, using Grossman's anecdote about wolves, sheep, and sheepdogs to illustrate the importance of restraint and ethics.

Warrior Culture – MAJGEN Chris Smith

Mentioned by Fr. Gregory Pine, who inherited it with an Amazon library on a Kindle.

Can Christians KILL?

Mentioned by

Dave Asprey

in the context of discussing the neurological responses of first responders.

Control Stress and Regulate Your Nervous System in 5 Steps – Lisa Wimberger with Dave Asprey : 771

Mentioned by

Kyle Thompson

as the author of "On Combat" and "On Killing".

JARED HUDSON | Fighting Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation (Ep. 681)

Mentioned by

Dax Shepard

when discussing the fetishizing of violence due to a lack of real-world exposure to death.

David Harbour

Recommended as a book about the Pavlovian training of soldiers to ensure they can shoot at human beings.

#315 - Rogue Foreign Minister on China’s Takeover, 5th Gen WW3 & "Titanic" Diplomacy | Eric Czuleger

Mentioned by

Matt Chandler

, who also mentions 'On Combat'.

Warrior Wounds and Gospel Hope

Mentioned by

Geoff Hopf

as a book about the psychology of killing.

GEOFF HOPF | Hard Times Create Strong Men

Mentioned by

Tim Kennedy

as the source of the metaphor for Sheepdog Response.

How To Become A "Sheepdog," Grappling With Weapons, Making Yourself Harder To Kill, Are There Fringe Navy SEAL Smart Drugs & Much More With Tim Kennedy.

Mentioned by

Dax Shepard

and

Robert Sapolsky

in relation to PTSD and the justification of killing.

Robert Sapolsky (on human behavior and free will)

Mentioned by

Bailey Williams

as a book she borrowed from a colleague's barracks room.

A Marine's Portrait Of Her Body At Extremes

Mentioned by Garrett Unkelbach to reference the 'sheepdog' concept, highlighting the role of protectors who may be misunderstood but are essential for safety.

236. Strong Men Don’t Happen by Accident: The Vision Unlock

Mentioned by

Andy Stumpf

as the author of a book about killing, which Andy discussed in a podcast during COVID.

Negligent Discharge Friday - 8/22/25

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