Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do.
-Steven Pressfield
In Steven Pressfield’s influential masterpiece, “The War of Art,” the author plunges into the depths of human creativity, unraveling the intricate challenges and transformational power of artistic expression. At the heart of this exploration lies the formidable adversary known as “Resistance” – an internal force that sabotages our creative endeavors, manifested through self-doubt, fear of failure, and the allure of procrastination.
Pressfield artfully paints a vivid picture of the battle against Resistance, drawing parallels to a military conflict. In this warfare, the artist stands as a valiant warrior, engaged in an unyielding struggle against their inner doubts to manifest their creative visions. This war demands unwavering discipline, courage, and unshakeable self-belief.
The book unfolds in three distinct sections: “Resistance,” “Fighting Resistance,” and “Beyond Resistance.” In the initial section, Pressfield unveils the concept of Resistance, dissecting its insidious nature and pervasive influence on our creative lives. He meticulously examines the varied forms Resistance assumes, from self-sabotaging thoughts to external distractions, underscoring its detrimental impact on our creative abilities.
