The War of Art
Tags: #self-help #creativity #art #writing #motivation #resistance
Authors: Steven Pressfield
Overview
In this book, I aim to demystify the creative process and provide aspiring artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to live a life of purpose with tools to overcome Resistance, the insidious force that prevents us from reaching our full potential. I argue that Resistance is universal, affecting everyone who strives for a higher calling, and that it manifests as procrastination, self-doubt, fear, and a host of distractions. To combat this insidious foe, we must turn pro. Turning pro is about adopting a professional mindset, approaching our work with discipline, commitment, and a love for the craft. It’s about showing up every day, regardless of our mood or circumstances, staying focused, and accepting both praise and blame without letting it derail us. By acting as professionals, we cultivate a territorial orientation, claiming our creative space and drawing sustenance from the act of creation itself. I believe we are all capable of accessing a higher realm of creativity and inspiration by aligning ourselves with unseen forces – muses, angels, or the divine – through focused effort and dedication. When we make a start and commit to our work, the universe conspires to assist us, bringing forth ideas and solutions in ways we could never have imagined. By recognizing our limitations and calling upon professional help when needed, we can further enhance our creative journey. Most importantly, we must learn to recognize and embrace the authentic self we were born to be, the person with a unique destiny and a contribution to make to the world. Overcoming Resistance is a lifelong battle, but by following the principles of professionalism and recognizing the power of the creative force within us, we can achieve a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. Remember, creative work is not a selfish act but a gift to the world. Give us what you’ve got.
Book Outline
1. The Unlived Life
There is an unlived life within each of us, a life of purpose and fulfillment. However, a force called Resistance prevents us from living that life. Resistance manifests as procrastination, self-doubt, fear, and various distractions, ultimately leading to unhappiness.
Key concept: Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.
2. Resistance
Resistance is a powerful, invisible force that opposes any action that leads to long-term growth, health, or integrity. It is most potent when we are about to achieve something meaningful and plays for keeps, aiming to kill our dreams. It thrives on fear and is universal, affecting everyone.
Key concept: Rule of thumb: The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.
3. Resistance and Procrastination
The greatest obstacle to doing creative work is not the work itself, but the act of sitting down and starting. The force that prevents us from starting is Resistance.
Key concept: What keeps us from sitting down is Resistance.
4. Resistance and Fear
Fear, especially in creative endeavors, is an indicator. It tells us what we need to do. The more fear we feel towards a project, the more crucial it is for us to undertake it. Professionals embrace fear, recognizing it as a signpost guiding them toward growth and self-discovery.
Key concept: The professional tackles the project that will make him stretch. He takes on the assignment that will bear him into uncharted waters, compel him to explore unconscious parts of himself.
5. Professionals and Amateurs
The key difference between amateurs and professionals is their mindset. Amateurs dabble, while professionals commit. Professionals show up every day, regardless of circumstances, and persevere over the long haul. They prioritize mastering their craft, maintain a sense of humor, and accept both praise and blame.
Key concept: The amateur plays for fun. The professional plays for keeps.
6. For Love of the Game
While a professional may accept payment for their work, their primary motivation is not money but love for the work itself. The appearance of detachment is often a strategy to regulate passion, preventing it from becoming paralyzing.
Key concept: Technically, the professional takes money. Technically, the pro plays for pay. But in the end, he does it for love.
7. You, Inc.
By viewing ourselves as a company, “You, Inc.”, we can cultivate a more objective and professional approach to our work. We separate our creative self from our managerial self, enabling us to handle setbacks and successes with greater resilience and focus.
Key concept: Making yourself a corporation (or just thinking of yourself in that way) reinforces the idea of professionalism because it separates the artist-doing-the-work from the will-and-consciousness-running-the-show.
8. Resistance and Fundamentalism
Both artists and fundamentalists grapple with existential questions, but their responses diverge. Artists, grounded in freedom and self-confidence, embrace progress and believe in a better future. Fundamentalists, feeling powerless and displaced, seek solace in the past, rejecting the uncertainties of individual freedom. Both struggle with Resistance, but while the artist views it as a challenge to overcome, the fundamentalist interprets it as temptation.
Key concept: This alone is denied to God: the power to undo the past.
9. Approaching the Mystery
When we consistently show up and do the work, we tap into a higher realm of creativity. Like a magnetized rod, we attract ideas and inspiration. Our commitment opens a channel for unseen forces, angels or muses, to assist us.
Key concept: When we sit down each day and do our work, power concentrates around us . . . we become like a magnetized rod that attracts iron filings. Ideas come. Insights accrete.
10. Invoking the Muse
Acknowledging a higher power and invoking its aid, such as through a prayer to the Muse, can be a powerful act. It is a gesture of humility and a recognition of the forces that contribute to creative endeavors.
Key concept: O Divine Poesy, goddess, daughter of Zeus, sustain for me this song…
11. The Magic of Making a Start
Taking the first step, committing to a project, triggers a chain reaction. Providence, angels, or unseen forces begin to work in our favor, orchestrating events and encounters that support our endeavors. Action begets assistance.
Key concept: Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth… that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.
12. The Magic of Keeping Going
The act of consistently working triggers a process of self-revision and improvement. Ideas and solutions often arrive unbidden, indicating a higher intelligence, possibly our unconscious mind or spiritual forces, working in tandem with our conscious effort.
Key concept: Just as Resistance has its seat in hell, so Creation has its home in heaven. And it’s not just a witness, but an eager and active ally.
13. The Authentic Self
We are born with a unique, individualized soul and a predetermined destiny. Our task is to uncover our true selves and fulfill our calling. Embracing this truth leads us to a life of purpose and meaning.
Key concept: Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: The soul that rises with us, our life’s star, Hath had elsewhere its setting…
14. Territory Versus Hierarchy
We can define ourselves either hierarchically, based on our position within a social order, or territorially, by focusing on a specific domain or area of mastery. The hierarchical orientation, while common, can be limiting, especially in large, impersonal societies. The territorial orientation, conversely, provides sustenance and a sense of belonging derived from focused effort and dedication.
Key concept: In the animal kingdom, individuals define themselves in one of two ways – by their rank within a hierarchy… or by their connection to a territory…
15. The Territorial Orientation
A territory can be any activity that provides sustenance and a sense of purpose, such as writing, painting, running, or playing an instrument. Territories are claimed through dedicated work, provide a closed feedback loop of well-being, and require solitary effort to fully reap their benefits.
Key concept: A territory can only be claimed alone… You can team with a partner, you can work out with a friend, but you only need yourself to soak up your territory’s juice.
16. The Artist and the Territory
Artists must operate territorially, focusing on their work for its own sake. They cannot rely on external validation and must develop a contempt for failure, recognizing that setbacks and criticism are inevitable parts of the creative process.
Key concept: Contempt for failure is our cardinal virtue.
17. The Fruits of Our Labor
The highest form of creative expression is to do the work as an offering to a higher power, purging ego and expectation. By acting as a conduit for the divine, we align ourselves with the source of creativity and tap into its infinite potential.
Key concept: Give the act to me. Purged of hope and ego, Fix your attention on the soul. Act and do for me.
18. Portrait of the Artist
There exist higher planes of reality that serve as the source of our creativity and inspiration. The artist acts as a conduit for these realms, bringing their visions into existence in the material world.
Key concept: In the end, we arrive at a kind of model of the artist’s world, and that model is that there exist other, higher planes of reality, about which we can prove nothing, but from which arise our lives, our work and our art.
19. The Artist’s Life
Our creative work is not just for ourselves; it is a gift to the world. We have a responsibility to share our unique talents and perspectives, contributing to the evolution and betterment of humanity.
Key concept: Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got.
Essential Questions
1. What is Resistance, and how does it prevent us from living a fulfilling life?
Resistance is an invisible force that prevents us from pursuing our calling and living a fulfilling life. It manifests as procrastination, fear, self-doubt, and various distractions. It stems from our Ego’s desire for comfort and safety, its fear of change and the unknown. The central argument is that we must learn to recognize and combat this force if we wish to achieve our full potential and contribute our unique gifts to the world. Key supporting ideas include the concept of “turning pro,” adopting a professional mindset characterized by discipline, commitment, and a love for the craft, and aligning ourselves with a higher power, represented by the Muse.
2. What does it mean to “turn pro” in the context of creative work?
Turning pro involves shifting from an amateur to a professional mindset. It’s about showing up every day, regardless of mood or inspiration, staying focused, mastering the craft, and accepting both praise and blame without letting them derail us. It’s about dedicating ourselves to the work for its own sake, not for external validation or rewards. This commitment allows us to overcome Resistance and tap into a deeper source of creativity and inspiration.
3. What is the territorial orientation, and how does it empower the artist?
The territorial orientation is about claiming our own creative space and drawing sustenance from the act of creation itself. We focus on our work for its own sake, independent of external validation or rewards. This approach aligns us with the forces of creativity, allowing us to tap into our full potential and experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. It stands in contrast to the hierarchical orientation, where we define ourselves by our position within a social order, seeking external approval and validation.
4. How does the concept of a “higher realm” influence the creative process?
Pressfield suggests that our creative work is not solely our own but originates from a higher realm, be it the Muse, angels, or the divine. By surrendering our ego and becoming a conduit for this higher power, we can access a level of creativity and inspiration beyond our conscious capabilities. He emphasizes acting as a “servant” of this power, acknowledging our role as facilitators in bringing forth creations that already exist in potential.
5. What is the significance of the “authentic self” in the pursuit of a creative life?
Pressfield argues that we are born with a unique, individualized soul and a predetermined destiny. Our job is to discover and embrace this authentic self, the person we were meant to be. By pursuing our calling and overcoming Resistance, we not only fulfill our own potential but contribute to the evolution and betterment of humanity as a whole.
Key Takeaways
1. Show Up Every Day
Pressfield emphasizes that creative work is a daily practice, not a sporadic burst of inspiration. It’s about showing up and doing the work even when we don’t feel like it. This consistency creates momentum, builds discipline, and ultimately allows us to tap into a deeper creative flow.
Practical Application:
In an AI product team, this could mean consistently dedicating time each day to brainstorming, coding, or experimenting, even when progress feels slow or inspiration is lacking. It could also mean committing to long-term research projects, understanding that breakthroughs may take time and require sustained effort.
2. Embrace Failure
Pressfield argues that fear of failure is one of the primary weapons Resistance uses to paralyze us. To counter this, we must embrace failure as a necessary part of the creative process. It’s in our failures that we learn, grow, and ultimately achieve greater success.
Practical Application:
When developing an AI product, don’t let the fear of criticism or a less-than-perfect launch prevent you from releasing it into the world. View feedback, both positive and negative, as valuable data that can be used to iterate and improve the product.
3. Master Your Craft
Professionals dedicate themselves to mastering their craft. They understand that skill and technique are essential foundations for creative expression. They continuously seek to improve and refine their abilities, acknowledging that true mastery is a lifelong pursuit.
Practical Application:
If you’re developing a new AI algorithm, focus on mastering the underlying principles of machine learning and data science. Seek out mentors or collaborators who are experts in their field. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance when needed.
4. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome
It’s essential to approach creative endeavors with a clear sense of purpose, but it’s equally important not to get overwhelmed by the perceived magnitude of the task. Professionals break down large goals into smaller, actionable steps, allowing them to stay focused and make consistent progress.
Practical Application:
When working on a challenging AI project, don’t get caught up in self-doubt or the perceived grandeur of the task. Break down the project into manageable steps, focus on completing one task at a time, and celebrate small victories along the way.
5. Do the Work for its Own Sake
This principle is central to Pressfield’s philosophy. He argues that creative work should be pursued for its own sake, not for external validation or reward. When we do our work out of love, we tap into a purer and more powerful source of creativity.
Practical Application:
In the context of AI safety, this might mean prioritizing the ethical implications of your work over seeking recognition or commercial success. It could also involve dedicating your efforts to projects that align with your personal values and contribute to the greater good, even if they are not financially lucrative.
Suggested Deep Dive
Chapter: The Territorial Orientation
This chapter delves into the concept of defining oneself by a chosen territory of mastery, rather than by hierarchical social structures. This idea could be particularly relevant to AI product engineers, as it encourages focus and dedication to the craft, independent of external validation or comparison. Understanding this distinction could lead to a more fulfilling and impactful career.
Memorable Quotes
What I Know. 11
What keeps us from sitting down is Resistance.
Resistance is Infallible. 24
Rule of thumb: The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.
Professionals and Amateurs. 63
The amateur plays for fun. The professional plays for keeps.
A Professional Self-Validates. 90
The professional cannot allow the actions of others to define his reality.
The Artist’s Life. 143
Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got.
Comparative Analysis
“The War of Art” shares thematic similarities with other self-help and creativity-focused books such as Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” and David Allen’s “Getting Things Done.” All three books address the internal and external obstacles that prevent individuals from achieving their creative potential. Cameron emphasizes the importance of creative recovery and spiritual connection, offering practical tools like morning pages and artist dates, while Allen focuses on productivity and organization, introducing the concept of “capturing” thoughts and tasks to free mental space. Pressfield distinguishes itself with its focus on the concept of “Resistance” as a singular force to be battled, and by drawing inspiration from classical philosophy and mythology. He advocates for a “professional” mindset, emphasizing discipline, commitment, and a love for the craft over seeking external validation. This approach aligns with Cal Newport’s “Deep Work,” which advocates for focused, distraction-free work to achieve mastery. Where Pressfield leans towards the mystical in attributing creative breakthroughs to the intervention of muses, other authors tend to ground their approach in psychological or practical frameworks.
Reflection
Pressfield’s “The War of Art” offers a compelling narrative about overcoming internal obstacles to achieve creative fulfillment. His central concept of “Resistance” resonates with the universal experience of procrastination and self-sabotage. However, his romanticized view of the struggling artist and his heavy reliance on anecdotal evidence might not appeal to all readers, particularly those seeking a more data-driven or pragmatic approach. His invocation of muses and a “higher realm” might alienate those who prefer a purely secular approach to creativity. Nonetheless, Pressfield’s passionate call to action and his emphasis on discipline and commitment offer valuable insights for anyone struggling to bring their creative work to life. His advice to “turn pro” and to view our creative work as a gift to the world serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dedication, perseverance, and contributing our unique talents to the larger human story.
Flashcards
What is Resistance?
Resistance is an invisible force that prevents us from pursuing our calling and living a fulfilling life.
What are some common manifestations of Resistance?
Procrastination, self-doubt, fear, distractions, and self-sabotage.
What does it mean to “turn pro?” in the context of creative work?
Adopting a professional mindset; showing up every day; focusing on mastery; accepting no excuses.
What is the territorial orientation?
Focusing on our creative work for its own sake, independent of external validation or rewards.
What is the hierarchical orientation?
Seeking validation and defining oneself based on position within a social order.
What is the supreme virtue for an artist according to Pressfield?
Contempt for failure.
What is the Ego?
The part of the psyche that believes in material existence, and is preoccupied with survival and self-preservation.
What is the Self?
The deeper part of the psyche, connected to the divine, that seeks growth, evolution, and creative expression.
What is the ultimate fear that Resistance uses against us?
It is the fear that we will actually succeed in realizing our full potential.