"On Killing" by Dave Grossman

"On Killing" by Dave Grossman examines the psychology behind killing in war and combat. It explores how soldiers are trained and conditioned to overcome natural instincts against taking lives, highlighting factors like authority, social cohesion, and desensitization that enable warfighters to perform lethal acts. Grossman discusses the emotional and moral impact on soldiers and the ways modern military training minimizes psychological trauma. The book provides insight into human behavior, exploring how ordinary individuals can commit extraordinary acts of violence under specific conditions, emphasizing both the biological and cultural influences involved.