We're told that when we remember, the same parts of our brain light up as when we experienced the event we're remembering. Your brain lives through it again. Phil Klay braineventexperience Change image and share on social
Even if torture works, what is the point of 'defending' America using a tactic that is a fundamental violation of what America ought to mean? Phil Klay americadefendfundamental Change image and share on social
Oftentimes, discussion of war gets flattened to a discussion of trauma. Phil Klay discussionflattenoftentimes Change image and share on social
If you're going to write about war, the ugly side is inevitable. Suffering and death are obviously part of war. Phil Klay deathinevitablepart Change image and share on social
Writing fiction was a way to take the ideas that troubled me or confused me and put them under pressure. Phil Klay confusefictionidea Change image and share on social
After the fighting is done, and even when it's still happening, apologies are often needed for the recounting of bare facts. Sometimes bare facts feel unpatriotic. Phil Klay apologybarefact Change image and share on social
You're not supposed to risk your life just for the physical safety of American citizens - you're supposed to risk your life for American ideals as well. Phil Klay americancitizenideal Change image and share on social
Pity addresses the perceived suffering, not the whole individual. Phil Klay addressindividualperceive Change image and share on social
I got to travel around Anbar Province, had a great group of Marines who worked for me who traveled around Anbar Province. I got to hang out with a lot of different types of Marines and soldiers and sailors. Phil Klay anbargreatgroup share on social
There's a tendency to look at anybody who joined the military as if they underwrote everything that happened policy-wise. That's not really the case. I have a friend who both protested the Iraq War and joined the military, and ended up serving two deployments in Afghanistan. Phil Klay afghanistancasedeployment share on social
