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"…the most important book you've never read: The War of Art." -- Seth Godin
The Art of War meets The Artist's Way in this profoundly inspiring, no-nonsense guide to overcoming creative blocks of every kind. Bestselling author Steven Pressfield shows readers how to identify, defeat, and unlock the inner barriers to creativity.
"Amazingly cogent and smart on the psychology of creation." -- Jay McInerney

Apple Books: Customer Ratings

Average

 4.5 (519 Ratings)

Apple Books: Customer Reviews

Instant Clarity

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META PLUS
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2017-03-01
I read this entire book in one sitting the very day I bought it. I haven’t read a full book in about 2 years. That is really saying something. This book covers everything you need to know as a creative person. Thank you, Steven Pressfield for informing me on these key points and crucial information I so very much needed to pick up my career as an artist. Big ups.

Great read

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Llehctimj3
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2017-02-25
Great read🤙🏾

Great Book

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RdubII
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2017-02-01
Really good book. Definitely reading it a second Time

A must read

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ProjectFenix
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2017-01-31
War of art is as brilliant as it is simplistic and to the point, if you know you've got something in you and you've been holding back, read it, if you like to learn or better your life, read it! If you can read, read it! If you can't read, learn how, then read it!

Amazing Read

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TheBookChain
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2016-12-10
It's an amazing read and teaches you how to combat your inner battles. The book was very giving to me, as it gave guidance on how to explore your inner self in terms of creativity. From the book I learned we have a an angel and a demon each resting on each of our shoulder. They live within our soul and they each represent resistance (the demon) and genius (the angel). The genius is our Muse existing within us. The muse is our inner creativeness. But to ignite our inner Muse we must overcome resistance. Resistance is what we feel everyday, when we wake up in the morning, when we start a new project. It can take many shapes and forms and many times it can be seen as fear. Pressfield explains how we can overcome this fear, and distinguishes between two types of people: the amateur and the professional. He says: “The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.” When you're going pro, “take a few blows. That’s the price for being in the arena and not on the sidelines. Stop complaining and be grateful.” He further explains, “The more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.” He further explains the professional is an artist. The artist is the advanced model. His culture possesses affluence, stability, enough excess of resource to permit the luxury of self-examination. The artist is grounded in freedom. He is not afraid of it. He is lucky. He was born in the right place. He has a core of self-confidence, of hope for the future. He believes in progress and evolution. His faith is that humankind is advancing, however haltingly and imperfectly, toward a better world.” For the amateur, “Grandiose fantasies are a symptom of Resistance. They’re the sign of an amateur. The professional has learned that success, like happiness, comes as a by-product of work. The professional concentrates on the work and allows rewards to come or not come, whatever they like.”

Amazing!

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LBosWorld
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2016-08-04
This book was so helpful! It really allowed me to think about my art in a new way. Clearly defines terms and really helps us get out of the rut of not being able to practice our art. We have a responsibility to the world and this book really helps you realize that. Artist, Doctor, lawyer, scientist, etc. this book is for everyone.

A must read and re-read

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KontryBoy706
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2016-04-28
This is one of those books you can read over and over again. I just finished my first pass of it and I have notes, highlights, and underlines all over the place. This is an amazing read and I really needed this in my life. I will revisit this book probably 2 or 3 times a year until I really digest this and apply it throughout my life as a musician. If you're an artist in any field... You need to read this book.

Amazing!!!!

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Moremocha
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2016-03-31
By far one of the best reads I've encountered. Straight to the point, funny and super inspiring. Thank you Steven Pressfield! Definitely worth the purchase.

Wonderful read!

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StephenArtist
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2016-02-26
Very powerful and quotable! Definitely worth the price!

Good

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Keith5529
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2016-02-17
Interesting point of view for everyone

Thank you. SP.

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big phil nick
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2015-12-26
I started this book last evening and just finished. It's 7:30am. I'm not even tired and all of birds and whatever are chatting outside my window. While reading I stopped to write a children's book I thought about writing a year ago this month. After I called on my muse for guidance. Thank you SP. This book has given me something that I have been searching for, for many years. The why? The what and the how?
CD.

Growth

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Eahimself
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2015-08-06
Great for growth and development. Highly recommended.

The Love of War

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staugustinevideo
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2015-07-25
When a soul speaks with a soul and reminds the soul of all there is, all there could be, all there ever was and validates the soul’s journey there is comfort. With the comfort The War of Art brings its reader there is magnificent responsibility. Find the comfort of knowing why you work, why you press on, why you are in the war, why no, or yes has little meaning in the grand plan. Hear of a course set by a Muse, an ancient way, a clearly worn path through the world of making art. A path before you that you may have never noticed until Steven Pressfield and Shawn Coyne’s The War of Art illustrates for you a bearing suitable to navigate your work on a moment to moment, project to project reward. A reward you may cherish because you may know your work is important, worthwhile, and worth every sacrifice you might find to make for it in order to achieve your goal. Read this book.

What every procrastinator needs to read

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ColettiTheKid
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2015-06-27
An easy, practical read. I can see me flipping through this book for years to come!

Life Changing

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Beardb
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2015-05-23
This book quite literally changed my life. It helped me overcome the fear and self-doubt I had always been consumed by. Over the past year I have taken several major steps in my life including starting a business, and it was because this book helped identify everything that has ever held me back.

The War of ART

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Bobegdg
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2015-04-11
We all have a gift, this book gives you the motivation you need to find it.

Finish what you started

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Romeo1975
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2015-02-10
This finally gave a picture of the enemy and its habits, and characteristics. I am greater for reading this and taking to heart the words written in this book. Now, is the time to complete and finish what I started. Thank you!

A Work of Art

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Steward G.
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2015-01-14
This was an incredible book. From the first page I was drawn in and captivated by every word until the last page. This book is special. Especially for those who do creative work.

AWESOME!

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jojolanese
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2015-01-05
Awesome awesome book! I would like to thank Steven for this book. I now feel like I can conquer the world!!!

Take Control of Your Life and Buy This Book

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mRoss27
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2014-05-22
It is impossible to read this book and then view life the same way. I promise you that. If you have any capacity as a human being, this should be nothing less than a catalyst to the first day of the rest of your life.

Inspiring

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runrhinorun
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2014-03-21
Thank you Mr. Pressfield for an excellent work. This helps me frame and give proper perspective to my daily work life.

A Must Read for Artists

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Movieluce
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2014-01-30
The title of my review says it all. This book encourages, inspires, and validates an artist's drive to create. Anyone who hears that inner voice to birth something new, is an artist and will benefit from this book. Thank you Steven Pressfield for writing it!

Perfect Code for an Artistic Samurai

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Bumpalula
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2014-01-26
I really love Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky, but this is on another level. This book is written from the mystical and universal perspective which touches on source and inspiration and our contract of what we do and who we do it for. More than that, it shows the efforts of our self-sabotaging unconscious to undermine our path and expression. Finally, it raises the bar for the methods and manner in which we do things that truly inspires me.
I underlined so many things in this book that it was almost a book.

Gold for the artist

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BerryGalazka
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2013-12-26
Lit a fire inside me. I'm a songwriter& artist and I feel completely changed and ready to move forward. If you have ANY resistance or feeling that you can't start your book or song, go to the gym, cure a disease... Read this. An uplifting, to the point and necessary for artists of all kinds. MUST READ!

The War Of Art

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Van Fan 5150
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2013-11-27
For me to rate something publicly says it all about this book. Extremely eye-opening and humbling. A true inspiration to all those who read it, and ironically enough, who most likely already are inspired, but just don't know it yet.

the war of art

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SnoCoJan
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2013-09-25
This book is a game changer . Inspiring , truthful, and insightful. Makes this journey much clearer...
Thank you!