The War Of Art

by Steven Pressfield
The War Of Art cover
Good Books rating 4.06
Psychology and Human Behavior
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  • ID: 1807
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9781936891047
  • Publisher: Black Irish Entertainment LLC
  • Published: 2002-06-03
  • Reviews: 4

The War of Art delves into the universal struggle of overcoming self-doubt and procrastination that plagues creative endeavors. It identifies the internal enemy that sabotages our ambitions and provides a strategic battle plan to conquer it. /n/n The book emphasizes the importance of discipline and resolve in achieving creative success, offering tough love and practical advice to help readers reach their highest potential. Whether starting a business, writing a novel, or pursuing any creative pursuit, this book serves as a powerful guide to breaking through barriers.

Reviews
app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-11-15
inspiring 3.75

The War of Art is a short but powerful book that serves as a pep talk for creatives struggling with resistance. While some found the language overly dramatic, others appreciated the practical advice and motivational tone. The book's insights are valuable for anyone looking to overcome creative blocks and turn professional.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a concise yet impactful read that aims to inspire and motivate creatives. The book focuses on the concept of 'resistance'—the internal forces that prevent us from pursuing our creative endeavors. Many readers found the book to be a much-needed kick in the pants, providing the encouragement they needed to push through their creative blocks. The language, however, can be overly dramatic and abstract for some, which might make it difficult to get through. Despite this, the book offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to overcome resistance and turn professional. It's a great read for anyone feeling stuck or in need of a motivational boost. The book's short length makes it an easy and quick read, but its impact can be long-lasting. Whether you're a writer, artist, or musician, this book can help you reframe your approach to your craft and provide the motivation you need to keep going.

Quick quotes

    A kick-in-the-ass pep talk I knew I needed. And will need again. This one's staying close.

    There are some gems in book two about fighting resistance and turning pro, but the rest was difficult to get through.

    Deep down, there isn't really anything in this book that you don't already know. I would say to any writer/artist/musician out there that this book is worth reading because it helps to reinforce why you're working so hard.

app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
inspiring 4.50

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a motivational powerhouse that introduces the concept of 'resistance' as the primary obstacle to creativity. The book encourages readers to overcome resistance through discipline and professionalism, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective on one's work.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a concise and impactful read that can be finished in a couple of hours. The book's central concept is 'resistance,' which Pressfield defines as the internal force that prevents us from pursuing our creative goals. He argues that resistance is not external but internal, and that overcoming it requires discipline and professionalism. Pressfield encourages readers to 'go pro,' setting clear goals and treating their creative work as a job. However, the reviewer notes that Pressfield's rigorous approach to discipline may not be practical for everyone, especially those who write around a day job or have other responsibilities. The reviewer suggests that a more flexible and graceful approach to discipline may be necessary for some. Overall, the book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to overcome creative blocks and achieve their creative goals.

Quick quotes

    Resistance,” he says, “has no strength of its own. Every ounce of juice it possesses comes from us.

    So, how do you overcome resistance? By “going pro,” says Pressfield. “The professional knows that fear can never be overcome,” he says. “He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.

    We are so much more than any one thing we do, and it’s easy to forget that. Pressfield’s reminder is, to me, liberating. “The professional loves her work. She is invested in it wholeheartedly. But she does not forget that the work is not her.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
intriguing 3.50

The book is a heartfelt lament about the homogenisation of our taste buds due to globalisation, highlighting how many food varieties are chosen for marketability rather than taste. The reviewer agrees with the author's concerns but also notes the improvements in food quality over time.

The book Bread, Wine, Chocolate by Simran Sethi is a poignant exploration of how globalisation has led to a homogenisation of our taste buds. The author argues that many food varieties are chosen for their marketability rather than their taste, leading to a lack of diversity and richness in our diets. The reviewer agrees with this assessment, noting how even bananas and coffee from different regions often come from the same hybrid variety. They also point out how supermarket tomatoes often lack the flavour of those bought at a market in France. The reviewer's only critique is that the author underplays the positive changes in the food industry, such as the increased variety and quality of bread, coffee, and fruit available today compared to decades ago.

Quick quotes

    The sheer poverty in taste terms of so many staple foodstuffs probably explains why we are driven to make such complicated meals these days, piling one ingredient on another in a desperate attempt to arouse some response from our bored salivary glands.

    My one beef — ha! — with Sethi's account is that in her passion to describe what is going wrong with the food industry, she underplays what is going right.

    Her dismay about the over-dominance in the market of a handful of food varieties is entirely justified — but I'm not totally convinced that the movement is all in the wrong direction.

artiststrong.com · Unknown · 2025-10-20
inspiring 4.50

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a powerful and concise guide to overcoming resistance and unleashing creativity. It offers practical advice and insights that can help anyone break through barriers and achieve their goals.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a must-read for anyone struggling with creative blocks or procrastination. The book is packed with practical advice and insights that can help you overcome resistance and unleash your creative potential. Pressfield's writing style is direct and to the point, making the book an easy and engaging read. They found the book to be incredibly motivating and inspiring, and they believe that anyone can benefit from its wisdom. The book's focus on the internal struggles of the creative process is particularly valuable, as it helps readers understand and overcome the mental barriers that often stand in the way of success. Overall, they highly recommend The War of Art to anyone looking to break through creative blocks and achieve their goals.

Quick quotes

    The book is a powerful and concise guide to overcoming resistance and unleashing creativity.

    It offers practical advice and insights that can help anyone break through barriers and achieve their goals.

    Pressfield's writing style is direct and to the point, making the book an easy and engaging read.

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