The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a timeless guide for artists and creatives, focusing on overcoming internal resistance to achieve goals. The book is divided into three parts, discussing the nature of resistance, strategies to combat it, and the higher realm of creativity. The reviewer found the first two parts more accessible but recommends the book for its insightful discussion on creativity and personal beliefs.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a book that has stood the test of time, offering valuable insights for artists and creatives. The reviewer was introduced to this book by fellow artists and found it incredibly relevant, even though it was published 20 years ago. The book is divided into three parts: Resistance, Combating Resistance, and Beyond Resistance. The first part defines resistance as an internal force that prevents us from achieving our goals, often manifesting as procrastination and self-doubt. The second part provides strategies to combat resistance, emphasizing the importance of turning professional and taking responsibility for one's creative work. The third part delves into the higher realm of creativity, discussing the role of muses or angels in the creative process. While the reviewer found the first two parts more readable, they recommend the book for its insightful discussion on creativity and personal beliefs. The book has helped the reviewer transition from an amateur to a professional artist, and they continue to fight resistance in their creative journey.
Quick quotes
Resistance cannot be seen, touched, heard, or smelled. But it can be felt. We experience it as an energy field radiating from a work-in-potential. It’s a repelling force. It’s negative. Its aim is to shove us away, distract us, prevent us from doing our work.
Why does Resistance yield to our turning pro? Because Resistance is a bully. Resistance has no strength of its own; its power derives entirely from our fear of it. A bully will back down before the runtiest twerp who stands his ground.
This is the other secret that real artists know and wannabe writers don’t. When we sit down each day and do our work, power concentrates around us. The Muse takes note of our dedication. She approves. We have earned favor in her sight. When we sit down and work, we become like a magnetized rod that attracts iron filings. Ideas come. Insights accrete.