Wisdom of Crowds Do We Crave Intensity in Our Lives?
Dec 8, 2025
Damir Marusic, a journalist who has reported from war zones, discusses the mixed emotions of returning from Ukraine, feeling both thrill and guilt. He dives into the ethics of war reporting and the risky allure of 'war tourism.' The conversation shifts to the psychological toll on journalists and civilians, contrasting excitement with helplessness. They also tackle political themes, including Trump's influence and public sentiment towards potential conflict in Venezuela, exploring the cultural shifts in American politics.
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Guilt Of War-Trip Adrenaline
- Damir Marusic felt guilty about enjoying the adrenaline of reporting in Ukraine and called it a kind of war-tourism voyeurism.
- He described an adrenaline letdown on return and self-loathing for wanting to be part of the danger despite the suffering he witnessed.
Wear-Down Is The Strategy
- Damir noticed a pervasive fatigue in Ukrainians from sporadic bombardment that functions as terror, wearing people down over time.
- He argued attacks aim to degrade infrastructure and morale, making life incrementally harder rather than causing constant large-scale destruction.
War Tourism Versus On-Ground Reality
- Damir recounted talking with Kiev Independent staff who described Europeans treating Kiev like a cheap overnight-trip party destination.
- He contrasted that with real reporters and locals who live amid the danger and suffer the real effects of war.