The War of Art
In "The War of Art," Steven Pressfield uncovers the relentless battle every creative individual faces against resistance. This powerful guide examines how self-doubt, procrastination, and fear can sabotage artistic endeavors and personal growth. Through inspiring anecdotes and practical wisdom, Pressfield encourages readers to embrace their passion and conquer the demons that hold them back. He offers a roadmap for transforming struggle into triumph and dedicating oneself to the calling of creativity. Will you rise to the challenge and unleash the artist within?
By Steven Pressfield
Published: 2002
"Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
What keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do? Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid the roadblocks of any creative endeavor—be it starting up a dream business venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece? The War of Art identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success. The War of Art emphasizes the resolve needed to recognize and overcome the obstacles of ambition and then effectively shows how to reach the highest level of creative discipline. Think of it as tough love . . . for yourself.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from The War of Art
About the Author
Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield is an esteemed American author known for his works that explore creativity, the struggles of the artistic process, and the nature of resistance. Born on September 1, 1943, he gained prominence with his best-selling novel "The Legend of Bagger Vance," which was later adapted into a feature film directed by Robert Redford. Pressfield's non-fiction works, including "The War of Art," offer insightful guidance on overcoming obstacles and harnessing one's creative potential. A veteran of the U.S. military, his experiences greatly inform the themes of discipline and perseverance found in his writing. Throughout his career, Pressfield has inspired countless writers and artists to confront their fears and embrace their creative journeys.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Steven Pressfield
- Published
- June 2002
- Publisher
- Black Irish Entertainment LLC
- ISBN
- 1936891042
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 195
- Genres
- Self-HelpOvercoming AdversityMotivationalPersonal Growth
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
The Road Less Travelled
Morgan Scott Peck
You Are a Badass®
Jen Sincero
The Motivation Manifesto
Brendon Burchard
Year of Yes
Shonda Rhimes
Keep Going
Austin Kleon
The Courage to Be Disliked
Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k
Mark Manson
12 Rules for Life
Jordan B. Peterson
Catherine the Great
Robert K. Massie
On Becoming a Person
Carl Ransom Rogers
Finding Your Way to Change
Allan Zuckoff, Bonnie Gorscak
The Big Sleep
Raymond Chandler
Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court
John Wooden
The Code of the Extraordinary Mind
Vishen Lakhiani
The Purpose Driven Life
Rick Warren
Hell Yes, I'd Do It Again
T. Fred Harvey
The 50th Law
Robert Greene, 50 Cent
The Road Less Traveled, Timeless Edition
M. Scott Peck
The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge
Tony Dungy, Nathan Whitaker
Essential Enneagram
David Daniels, Virginia Price
The Theory of Investment Value
John Burr Williams
Days of Rage
Bryan Burrough
The Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson
The Divided Mind
John E. Sarno
Growth IQ
Tiffani Bova
The Monster at the End of This Book (Sesame Street)
Jon Stone
Ring
Jonathan Yardley
Wake Up to the Joy of You
Agapi Stassinopoulos
The Tools
Phil Stutz, Barry Michels
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations
Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.
View Collection
Abi Tyas Tunggal's Book Recommendations
Abi Tyas Tunggal is a distinguished author known for his impactful contributions to contemporary literature and digital content. He has garnered acclaim for his insightful storytelling and adept handling of complex themes, resonating with a diverse readership. Tunggal's work often explores the intersections of technology, society, and human experience, making him a prominent voice in modern narrative arts. Beyond his literary achievements, he is also recognized for his innovative use of digital platforms to engage with and expand his audience. Tunggal continues to influence the literary landscape with his thought-provoking and accessible writing.
View Collection
Ann Handley's Book Recommendations
Ann Handley is a renowned digital marketing pioneer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She is the author of "Everybody Writes," a seminal guide on creating compelling content, and co-author of "Content Rules," which outlines effective content marketing strategies. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, she has significantly influenced modern marketing practices. Handley is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for her insights on digital content and marketing trends. Her work has empowered countless marketers to elevate their content creation and strategy efforts.
View Collection
Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations
Andrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.
View Collection
Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations
Alfred Lin is a venture capitalist and partner at Sequoia Capital, where he focuses on investments in consumer internet, enterprise, and mobile companies. Lin is known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, helping them grow into major global brands. Before joining Sequoia, Lin was an executive at Zappos, where he worked closely with CEO Tony Hsieh to develop the company’s innovative culture and customer service model. Lin’s expertise in scaling businesses and his strategic vision have made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.
View Collection
Austen Allred's Book Recommendations
Austen Allred is an influential entrepreneur and author, best known for his contributions to the education technology sector. He co-founded Lambda School, a groundbreaking online coding bootcamp that offers deferred tuition and has revolutionized access to tech education. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Allred is the author of "The Grassfed Startup," which provides insights into building sustainable businesses. His innovative approach to education has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the tech industry. Allred continues to inspire with his commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all.
View Collection
Derek Sivers's Book Recommendations
Derek Sivers is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of CD Baby, one of the first online platforms that allowed independent musicians to sell their music directly to fans. Sivers is known for his unconventional approach to business and life, advocating for simplicity, focus, and self-reliance. After selling CD Baby, Sivers has become a sought-after speaker and writer, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal development. His books, including Anything You Want, provide practical advice for living a meaningful, purpose-driven life. Sivers’ minimalist and thoughtful approach has made him a respected figure in the entrepreneurial community.
View Collection
Ali Abdaal's Book Recommendations
Ali Abdaal is a renowned productivity expert, author, and YouTuber known for his engaging content on personal development and effective study techniques. A former doctor, Abdaal transitioned from his medical career to focus on sharing insights through his popular YouTube channel, which has amassed millions of subscribers. He is the author of "YouTube for Doctors," where he explores the intersection of medicine and digital content creation. Abdaal's work is celebrated for its practical advice, blending scientific research with personal anecdotes to help individuals optimize their lives. His contributions have significantly influenced the productivity and self-improvement community, making him a respected voice in the field.
View Collection
Charlamagne Tha God's Book Recommendations
Charlamagne Tha God, born Lenard Larry McKelvey, is a prominent American radio personality, television host, and author. He is best known as a co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show "The Breakfast Club," where his candid interviews and commentary have made him a leading voice in contemporary media. Charlamagne has made significant contributions to literature with his New York Times bestselling books, "Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It" and "Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me," which offer insights into his personal journey and mental health struggles. His works have been praised for their honesty and motivational impact, resonating with a wide audience. Charlamagne continues to influence culture and inspire readers through his candid storytelling and advocacy for mental health awareness.
View Collection
Amelia Boone's Book Recommendations
Amelia Boone is a renowned American obstacle racer and ultrarunner, celebrated for her remarkable achievements in the sport. She has won multiple world championships, including the Spartan Race World Championship and the World's Toughest Mudder. Boone's compelling personal journey and resilience have inspired countless athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Though primarily known for her athletic prowess, Boone has also contributed to literature through insightful articles and motivational writings on endurance, mental toughness, and overcoming adversity. Her story continues to influence and empower individuals striving for excellence in both sports and life.
View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations
Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.
View Collection“Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator.”
The War of Art
By Steven Pressfield
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.