War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning

A must read for anyone who thinks War is something we need. Very powerful book that gets into the heads of those who fight, serve,& the those who send the young off to battle. This book is also the inspiration for the great movie "The Hurt Locker".

Basically, this is the perspective of a journalist who has seen some horrible things--especially in Bosnia--drawing on his training in religion and philosophy to make sense of it. It's easy to say Hedges is a pacifist and to slam the media, but I think that particular reader would also get off on all the pain in these 199 pages. My personal takeaway--the military profession is still honorable,...more

Basically, this is the perspective of a journalist who has seen some horrible things--especially in Bosnia--drawing on his training in religion and philosophy to make sense of it. It's easy to say Hedges is a pacifist and to slam the media, but I think that particular reader would also get off on all the pain in these 199 pages. My personal takeaway--the military profession is still honorable, builds responsible citizens, and does great things BECAUSE of the self-policing. If you mention the Holocaust, Rwanda, Bosnia, etc., and don't finish the sentence with WE ARE NOT THAT--then you're missing the point. If you read this book without an open mind (let's face it--open minds probably won't pick it up), you won't see that from the time of Homer to today there have always been monsters who define themselves by what they CAN destroy in war. At the same time, there have always been truly admirable people who define themselves by what they build and restore in war, including the honor of their nations and militaries.   hide

Compelling and packed full of facts. Hedges has uncontrolled disregard for his life by placing himself in the middle of so many conflicts in the name of journalism.

Harrowing and raw account of what war means to those caught up in it. As usual, Hedges pulls no punches.

Using a diverse array of literature references, and a rarely seen gift for insight into the human condition, Chris Hedges composes a singular critique of war for our day. Using his experiences as a war reporter for the AP, Chris speaks with authority and never pulls his punches. You will be changed once you have read this book. It is one of the most important books I have ever read, and I cannot...more

Using a diverse array of literature references, and a rarely seen gift for insight into the human condition, Chris Hedges composes a singular critique of war for our day. Using his experiences as a war reporter for the AP, Chris speaks with authority and never pulls his punches. You will be changed once you have read this book. It is one of the most important books I have ever read, and I cannot recommend it enough.   hide

Extremely powerful. A must read for anyone interested in the human struggle for a civilized world.

Journalist tries to make himself sound awesome because he's been a P.O.W. A few sad stories in here though...

Lots of info on the psycho-social effects of war. I was not always in agreement, of course, it's expected. It gives a great insight into the rush of being in war conflict and the addiction that may result. The thrill as when riding on a rollercoaster.

Quick read. Very important work! I'd like to understand different perspectives on the issue of war. Very thoughtful, very uncomfortable read.