The War of Art

By: Steven Pressfield

Narrated by: Steven Pressfield

Think of The War of Art as tough love...for yourself.

Since 2002, The War of Art has inspired people around the world to defeat "resistance"; to recognize and knock down dream-blocking barriers and to silence the naysayers within us. Resistance kicks everyone's butt, and the desire to defeat it is equally as universal. 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.

Though it was written for writers, it has been embraced by business entrepreneurs, actors, dancers, painters, photographers, filmmakers, military service members, and thousands of others around the world.

©2011 Black Irish Entertainment LLC (P)2019 Black Irish Entertainment LLC

Read it four times. All three were rejuvenating.

Not only is this book one of the few I've actually, genuinely finished, but as per the title of this review I have done so four times over the course of 3 years. Twice by listening to the audio book, twice through my softcover copy of the book. Pressfield, for me has transcended the written page. In my life he has become something of a mentor through this book. Rather than summarize it's contents, I think it will be more appropriate to describe the affect his ideas have had on me and my work.

I am a musician and a music producer. I have played instruments and beatboxed and sang from a young age. Music is my identity. As Pressfield would say it, music is my "territory." The thing I do when I'm exhausted and discouraged and fed up that makes everything better.

But it was not always this way. I was conditioned to believe, early on, that while I enjoyed music and making music, that it was not my true calling--that I was too good at school, too intelligent, and that my talents would be wasted if I allowed music to be anything more than a hobby. I was heavily pressured into going to study physics at NJIT, where I lasted 1 month before a combination of cognitive dissonance, stress at my failing grades, long weeks where I had no time to pick up a guitar, and the chaotic commute brought my mental health to disrepair, and me to a hospital.

Three days from now, I will begin my last semester at William Paterson, where I will graduate with a B.A. in Music Studies. I am not sure I would have even considered chasing this opportunity, or any of the new doors it generated in turn (which are awesome), had I not been encouraged by this book, and then encouraged again three more times since I first picked it up in late 2016.

Now, I will say that this book, while it encouraged me to do the work, did not solely change my life. It only enriched my desire to change it myself. But this is an excellent book with a philosophy greater than it's author, and given the effect it has had on me, I would give it twice as many stars.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Steven Pressfield, for writing The War of Art.

too religious

I liked this book, but I'm not a religious guy. all the god talk really took me out of it but still some good info.

Brilliant insight into the creative process...

This is one of the few books that I listen to two or three times a year. It always helps me to face the demons of feeling a lack of creativity. More accurately, the demons keeping me from expressing that creativity...from "doing the work."

This is an absolute must-read for anyone in the creative space, like artists, writers, musicians, producers, filmmakers, and anyone else who thinks their work is not in the creative category, like entrepreneurs and ... probably you.

Pressfield's narration is entertaining and articulate. Highly recommended!

Mind Blown

Listened to the audio book The War of Art. Mind blown. 🤯 Literally got shivers listening to it. I will be listening to it again.... and again.

This book has so many concepts that not only lit up lightbulbs but blew them apart. It made me rethink a lot of my philosophies and the way I approach the craft whether it is filmmaking or writing. But this isn’t just for filmmakers and writers. If you ever had a desire to create anything whether it is a book or a business you have to check this out.

Overcoming fear abd resistance

It took possibly 5 attempts to finish this book due to my own resistance. Finding something else to always work or focus on. The advice given herein and stories not only inspired me beyond measure but moved me to tears at times; in the best ways possible. There is so much to be gained here, from the artist, to the chef, to the writer, to the person taking care of you children.