READ IT - The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle
Title : The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle
Author : Steven Pressfield
Format : Audiobook
Summary : 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
Why this book ? : This book came highly recommended by Joe Rogan during one of his podcasts. I forget what they were talking about, but he was raving about this book and how all artists should read it because it helps you to actually get over things like writers block. He mentioned it more than once, so I had to check it out.
My Review : I absolutely loved it! I listened to it two times and probably will listen to it again and take some notes. Not only did I relate to the stuff that he was saying about resistance, but from my observations of various successful and unsuccessful people, I could see the pattern that he was talking about. The talk about muses and angels might make some people uncomfortable, but if you're open minded the information you'll get from it is in my opinion very valuable.
Favorite quotes and notes from the book
Most of us have two lives. The life we life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.
It was easier for Hitler to start World War II than it was for him to face a blank square canvas.
The artist is grounded in freedom.
Fundamentalism is the philosophy of the powerless, the conquered, the displaced and the dispossessed.
The professional loves it so much he dedicates his life to it. He commits full-time.
The Ego hates artists because they are the pathfinders and bearers of the future.
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.