Dave Grossman is a prominent author and commentator on military psychology, best known for On Killing, his influential examination of combat stress, conditioning, and human behavior in war.
If Grossman’s work interests you, these authors offer similarly compelling perspectives on violence, resilience, leadership, strategy, and the psychological realities of conflict:
Readers who value Grossman’s no-nonsense style will likely connect with Jocko Willink. A former Navy SEAL commander, Willink writes with clarity and urgency about leadership, discipline, and staying composed under extreme pressure.
In his book Extreme Ownership, he argues that accountability and clear communication are essential—not only in combat, but in everyday decision-making and team dynamics as well.
If you're interested in how violence develops and how people can detect danger early, Gavin de Becker is a strong choice. His book The Gift of Fear encourages readers to trust intuition and recognize warning signs before a situation turns dangerous.
Like Grossman, de Becker combines practical advice with deep knowledge of violent behavior, making his work especially useful for readers focused on awareness and personal safety.
Jordan B. Peterson writes about human nature, order and chaos, and the ways people confront suffering and responsibility. Although his background is clinical psychology rather than military science, his work often overlaps with Grossman’s interest in discipline, moral choice, and confronting harsh realities.
12 Rules for Life explores resilience, responsibility, and purposeful living in a way that may appeal to readers drawn to Grossman’s practical, sober worldview.
Sam Harris approaches difficult subjects with a cool, analytical style. His work spans ethics, belief, consciousness, and the forces that can drive conflict and violence.
In The End of Faith, he examines the relationship between ideology and violence, offering a rational framework that may resonate with readers interested in Grossman’s focus on why people commit violent acts.
Steven Pinker is a great fit for readers who want a broader, research-driven view of violence and human behavior. He has a gift for making big academic ideas readable without stripping away their complexity.
In The Better Angels of Our Nature, Pinker argues that violence has declined over time and places modern conflict in historical context, adding a useful big-picture perspective to Grossman’s more immediate focus on combat psychology.
Sebastian Junger writes vividly about war, hardship, and the intense bonds formed in dangerous environments. His journalism and nonfiction capture both the external reality of conflict and its emotional cost.
If Grossman’s writing on soldiers’ mental and emotional burdens stayed with you, Junger’s War is well worth reading.
Set among soldiers in Afghanistan, it explores fear, loyalty, exhaustion, and the powerful sense of brotherhood that emerges under fire.
Robert Greene is known for writing about power, strategy, and the underlying patterns of human behavior. He blends historical storytelling with practical analysis, creating books that feel both intellectual and tactical.
Readers intrigued by Grossman’s interest in conflict and psychology may find Greene’s The 33 Strategies of War especially engaging. It examines military principles, historical examples, and psychological maneuvering in ways that extend beyond the battlefield.
Phil Klay writes fiction that wrestles with what war does to people long after the fighting stops. His stories focus on moral conflict, trauma, and the uneasy transition back into civilian life.
Klay’s short-story collection Redeployment offers a sharp, intimate look at the inner lives of Marines and the lingering consequences of combat.
Karl Marlantes, a Vietnam veteran, brings firsthand authenticity to his portrayal of war. His novel Matterhorn delivers a raw and memorable account of survival, duty, and moral strain under relentless pressure.
Like Grossman, Marlantes is deeply interested in the psychological burden soldiers carry and the difficult choices war imposes.
Jack Donovan writes about masculinity, honor, tribal loyalty, and the values often associated with warrior culture. Those themes may appeal to readers interested in Grossman’s discussions of ethics, aggression, and martial identity.
In The Way of Men, Donovan examines traditional virtues and asks what courage, strength, and trustworthiness look like in modern life. His style is blunt and provocative, encouraging readers to think more seriously about character and moral conduct.
Randall Collins brings a sociologist’s lens to the study of violence. In Violence: A Micro-sociological Theory, he explores how tension, social interaction, and emotional energy shape violent encounters.
If you want a more theoretical counterpart to Grossman’s work, Collins offers a fascinating explanation of why violence is often harder to carry out than people assume—and what conditions make it more likely.
James Q. Wilson writes thoughtfully about crime, morality, and public policy in a style that is clear and grounded. His work is especially useful for readers interested in how behavior is shaped by both individual choice and social environment.
In Thinking About Crime, Wilson examines criminal behavior with a practical eye, offering insights that pair well with Grossman’s interest in restraint, motivation, and violent action.
S. L. A. Marshall was a military historian whose observations on battlefield behavior influenced later discussions of combat psychology. In Men Against Fire, he argues that many soldiers are reluctant to kill and looks at how training, fear, and group pressure affect their willingness to fight.
His work complements Grossman’s by examining the psychological and social factors that shape behavior under fire.
Paul Howe, a former Special Operations soldier, writes from direct operational experience. His book Leadership and Training for the Fight focuses on mental readiness, effective training, and practical leadership in high-stress environments.
If you appreciate Grossman’s emphasis on preparation and performance under pressure, Howe offers grounded, field-tested guidance with real-world relevance.
Clint Emerson is a retired Navy SEAL whose work centers on preparedness, survival, and practical self-protection. His book 100 Deadly Skills presents actionable techniques for navigating dangerous situations in everyday life.
Readers drawn to Grossman’s blend of practical instruction, mental conditioning, and real-world application will likely find Emerson’s direct approach both engaging and useful.
