

#3481
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.
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 ![undefined]()

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

Dan Carlin

285 snips
Show 66 - Supernova in the East V
Mentioned by 

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


Jay Cal

59 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 ![undefined]()

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

Dan Bongino

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

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


Chris Smith

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 

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


Dave Asprey

Control Stress and Regulate Your Nervous System in 5 Steps – Lisa Wimberger with Dave Asprey : 771
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

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

Kyle Thompson

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

, who also mentions 'On Combat'.


Matt Chandler

Warrior Wounds and Gospel Hope
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book about the psychology of killing.

Geoff Hopf

GEOFF HOPF | Hard Times Create Strong Men
Mentioned by 

as the source of the metaphor for Sheepdog Response.


Tim Kennedy

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 ![undefined]()

and 

in relation to PTSD and the justification of killing.

Dax Shepard


Robert Sapolsky

Robert Sapolsky (on human behavior and free will)
Mentioned by 

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


Bailey Williams

A Marine's Portrait Of Her Body At Extremes
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

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

Dax Shepard

David Harbour