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The War of Art

Written by: Steven Pressfield
Narrated by: Steven Pressfield
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Publisher's Summary

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

Editorial Review

Everyone needs a little tough love now and again, even from yourself. Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art aims to provide just that: some hard truths to help you propel yourself to greatness.

Originally written for writers, The War of Art hones in on the obstacles and roadblocks that often derail us from following our dreams, completing our projects, or reaching our potential. A career writer, Steven Pressfield emphasises the “war” that goes on continually within us—especially within creatives and visionaries—which sees ambition fight against fear of failure, and other such concerns that might hold us back.

With its clear plan for defeating resistance and focusing on success, The War of Art has become popular not only with writers, but also with artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs in a variety of fields. By following Pressfield’s plan, listeners will learn to overcome fear and self-doubt, push aside the need for perfectionism, and instead look towards making progress and moving forward.

This audiobook is narrated by the author, adding a depth of knowledge and understanding to the work. Pressfield is a seasoned writer, with several published works. His voice is both warm and inviting, and clear and informative, the perfect balance for audiobooks on self-improvement.

It is easy to become daunted by our dreams. When that happens, we procrastinate or distract ourselves, or even simply feel as though we are not good enough. The War of Art will inspire you to push harder for what you really want to achieve, dispel some of these nagging fears, and help you believe in yourself.

What listeners say about The War of Art

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  • ben
  • 2020-06-18

To anyone that gives this a low rating hear me out

This was masterful and to anyone that gives this low rating is not an arties, entrepreneur or creator.. This is as close to a perfect discription of the struggles an ateist faces. Steven gave new tools and perspective I needed to push through the hard parts of being a 'Professional'.

Im a life long entrepreneur since I was 12y and operate 3 international business now that I created and have patents on products and have nearly jumped off a bridge going through the exact struggles Steven wrote so perfectly..

I never do reviews becasue most don't deserve them.. But this one needed it.. From what I see from some semi poor reviews I just had to jump in and I would really like the next person that plans to do a poor review also tell us what u do for a living and are as an artiest / professional.. Because I would surly bet you are an 'amature' at best!

Nice work Steven
Ben Crowe

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  • Dax
  • 2019-11-01

awful

this guy is spewing absolute nonsense and keeps bringing up religion and god. couldnt sit through 5 minutes of it

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8 people found this helpful

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makes bold claims with little to back it up

a few good points on resistance which I liked but then there are a bunch of random claims like cancer being a product of people not being their true selves, couldn't get past that part

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It was alright

I'm not much for all the religious undertones and metaphors, but beyond that the book is not too bad. The advice is somewhat good if you're into art and the writing is solid. Unfortunately, it felt more autobiographical than anything else. Would not recommend for anyone who's not into religion and doesn't need help finding motivation.

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Preachy presentation

I felt this was preaching a biased opinion without balanced views from someone trying to ram his views into me

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If only people tried harder

This pretty much summarizes the whole book, try harder, push through your blocks and all the problems of the world will be gone. I had to stop listening to this after the author went on a rant about how mental illness doesn't exist and it is a fabrication from marketers to sell you pills. I bought this to read about the creative process, not conspiracy theories.

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Pressfield is Definitely an Artist...

While reading this book, I felt that my opinion was tossed back and forth randomly as he read each piece.

After reading a lot of books that dealt with self- help and developing positive constructs in one's life, I was so used to the candid, 'no-nonsense' vibes that they all had portrayed, that I wasn't expecting the artistic, fluid and eccentric nature of Pressfield's narration, or his choice in words. This in combination with the misplaced musical scores at the beginning of chapters made me dislike the book at first.

A lot of what is talked about here is expressed through artistic metaphors. I've always been very much a materialist, so needless to say, this didn't work with me at all. The funny thing is that he actually addresses people who think in that same light indirectly when he talks about ego versus the self. At that point I realized that the issue was how I was reading the book, and not the author itself.

There are times where I disagree with him, times I agree, times that I love what he says, and others that I just shake my head in dismay, but all around, when it comes to the substance of the book, Pressfield was proficient in motivating me to stick to my craft, and trim the fat where need be. He provided insights that can easily be extrapolated to my life and the work that I do.

All around this is a good book, but the way he delivered it wasn't optimal for me, and choice in music, or even the choice of including music, was terrible in my personal opinion (some may like it I guess).

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New-age nonsense

Impossible to listen to. Ridiculous; full of wild assertion after unfounded (and unprovable) new-age nonsense.

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    3 out of 5 stars

It's alright

It was alright, i had a hard time sticking with it though, it didn't really suck me in. It may resonate with some people, but I felt uninspired.

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  • CK
  • 2020-08-28

Complete nonsense from beginning to end

Do not bother with this nonsense. This audiobook is a complete waste of time.

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  • Simon Lee
  • 2019-06-22

War Against Common Sense?

I tried reading the physical version of this book, but it read like a series of bullet points listed beneath a guiding topic. Listening to this book made it much easier.

But the stuff Pressfield says is really difficult to endorse. It starts off all right. Fight back against resistance. I agree. Resistance stops us from accomplishing so much. However, when he begins explaining how ADHD or anxiety disorders are not REAL--but instead the result of resistance and procrastination--I felt a bit uneasy. He cites no sources. He has no validation for these claims, but he presents them as facts which is extremely irresponsible. When he starts saying that cancer is cured by people who produce art...yeah, I checked out.

I gave the performance three stars. Pressfield reads this in an angry-ish and judgmental tone, and I think that's right in line with the tone of the text.

I'd say save yourself the time and money. You already know that procrastination hurts. Write your own list of motivational bullet points. Hey, maybe you can publish them someday.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2019-11-18

Too much useless information

Good idea, but can be shared in like 20 minutes max, this book is too long and filled with air in my opinion.

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  • M.D.
  • 2019-09-19

Filled with Dangerous Ideas

This book is filled with dangerous, harmful ideas, such as the thought that succumbing to "resistance" is the cause of cancer. Even ignoring that monumental flaw, this "motivational" book is severely lacking in points worth taking away - seek motivation elsewhere.

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  • ludovic migneault
  • 2019-10-17

Half of it is about praising God

Most arguments are about "the sacred", "the holy" and fighting the evil "resistance"...
there was one good chapter talking about a down to earth comparison between being Pro vs being Amateur.

At least the book was short so I didn't waste too much time.

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  • DesertBusinessReview
  • 2019-04-19

The concept of work vs. resistance is pure gold

The concept of work vs. resistance is pure gold. From a business perspective (creative production and delivery) it makes this book a must-read for any entrepreneur.

The exploration of the "muses" might appeal to purely artistic and creative types. Maybe not so much for a business person.

The author's passionate audible delivery made the listening truly enjoyable from start to finish.

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  • AndyVen19
  • 2019-05-19

Show up!

It’s a book that everyone must read. Especially if you are an artist or an entrepreneur.
Presented in a very impactful manner.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2019-05-15

must read!

are you a painter that doesn't paint?
a writer who doesn't write?
this is your book.

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  • Brettfoster
  • 2019-07-22

NOT ABOUT ART?!

Hmmmm, why have I seen and heard so many people go on about this book? It makes me genuinely wonder if there was an affiliate program associated with it at some stage? Firstly, this book is not about art or being an artist. It is about pursuing your "true calling" in part and also about literal Muses...…so weird. It gives absolutely zero information or ideas on how to actually pursue that calling, instead repeats over and over that you must follow your muse/do what you were born to do otherwise "resistance" will ruin you. He literally talks about "resistance" like it is a physical thing!!! I don't get it. IMHO this book is 100% fluff, no that's not true, maybe 80%. The message is kinda worth hearing but it takes less words that I have just typed to tell that message. Also this book is not about art or being an artist any more than it could be about being a dentist, but I guess the war of dentistry isn't as sellable

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  • Wood household
  • 2019-08-27

Wow

I've listened to it three times and still pick up more info each time I listen

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2019-07-21

Love this book!

A smooth read and entertaining one. Good way to know your true enemy. Definitely worth reading.

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  • Casimir orange
  • 2021-02-07

A must ear / read!

A must ear / read!
this is a very inspiring book, thanks to the author.

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  • Client d'Amazon
  • 2020-06-30

intéressant

un livre qui booste, donne vraiment envie de se battre contre sa résistance (idée du livre)...

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  • B. D. C. L
  • 2019-09-25

Répétitif

Je n'ai pas été emballé par ce livre dont néanmoins certains passages sont pas mal...

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  • Robin Nicolet
  • 2023-08-20

Absurd

Your calling is to output your art and nothing else. Illnesses are a result of going against this idea. Your family is only jealous and wants to bring you down. Depression isn't real, it's just people who make drama out of their calling "resistance". Source of this book: trust me bro

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  • Boris Daix
  • 2022-07-08

un essai intensément motivant

lu par l'auteur, cet essai regorge de leviers pour se motiver, vivre enfin sa vie. les effets sonores amplifient le propos, la lecture est très enlevée.

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  • ad.mack
  • 2022-02-21

horrible … ne gâchez pas votre argent

insupportable livre et très discutable … achetez plutôt Karma sutra de Steve !

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  • Raphael Navot
  • 2021-09-12

Well narrated and motivating but military in essence.

Although easy to listen to and full of motivational gems, there is a determined and even harsh lecturing tone about what one should or should not do, a simplified definition of types of people and in général a flat dichotomization on a complex topic like art.

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  • Kindle Customer
  • 2020-08-13

I'm not sure I can recommend this one

I normally don't review book, I prefer to take note and try to apply their lessons.

I just finished "Can't hurt me" by David Goggins which is about the same type of thing, that I found truly amazing and will certainly apply the philosophy in my life.

The war of art on the other hand is really flawed in my opinion.
Some of the ideas are good ( although not groundbreaking) but the author doesn't stop making huge bold statements based on nothing but his own opinion and state them as objective truth.
Especially the part where he claims that every single illness (you read that right) comes from the non accomplishment of your life goal.

The author also contradict himself : by saying that when you pursue your goal nothing else matters however difficult but then stating that you should strive for being just a bit more challenged that your normal state of comfort.

Both of the ideas are interesting and famous but the author doesn't develop into them and their opposition.

I don't recommend this book.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2020-05-17

un livre pour les explorateurs de la Vie

Belle énergie transmise par l auteur. un livre tout en perspective qui donne envie d avancer et de s exprimer pleinement au Monde

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