Basic training Quote by Barry Eisler
““Men who have survived close-quarters killing know that humans are possessed of a deep-seated, innate reluctance to kill their own species. I believe there are evolutionary explanations for the existence of this reluctance, but that doesn’t really matter. What matters is that the fundamental purpose of basic training for most soldiers is to employ classical and operant conditioning techniques to suppress the reluctance. I know modern training accomplishes this objective with ruthless effectiveness. I also know the training deals better with the reluctance than it does with the regret.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of War in Modern Warfare, Barry Eisler, 2015
Basic military training uses conditioning to override humans’ natural aversion to killing their own species, making soldiers capable of lethal action despite innate reluctance.
In simple terms: Training suppresses natural reluctance to kill.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how conditioning shapes behavior.
Themes
military training
psychology
ethics
human nature
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
analytical
ethical
When to use this quote
- combat readiness
- military recruitment
- psychological assessment
- post‑combat reintegration
Key Concepts
conditioning
evolutionary biology
moral injury
Questions to Reflect On
- How does conditioning affect soldiers’ post‑service life?
- Can alternative training reduce moral injury?
A Different Perspective
Conditioning may create moral injury and long‑term trauma.
