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

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.

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.