The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Question 1

What is the primary challenge of writing according to the text?

Answer 1

Sitting down to write

This highlights the struggle with initiating the writing process.

Question 2

What are the two lives most people have?

Answer 2

The life we live and the unlived life within us

Resistance stands between these two lives.

Question 3

Define Resistance as described in the text.

Answer 3

Any act that rejects immediate gratification in favor of long-term growth, health, or integrity.

Question 4

How is Resistance characterized in terms of visibility?

Answer 4

Resistance cannot be seen, touched, heard, or smelled, but it can be felt.

Question 5

What is the nature of Resistance?

Answer 5

A repelling force that is negative and aims to distract and prevent us from doing our work.

Question 6

Who is the enemy within according to the text?

Answer 6

Resistance.

Question 7

What does the rule of thumb state about Resistance?

Answer 7

The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.

Question 8

In which direction does Resistance obstruct movement?

Answer 8

Only from a lower sphere to a higher.

Question 9

When is Resistance most powerful?

Answer 9

At the finish line.

Question 10

What common behavior is often a manifestation of Resistance?

Answer 10

Procrastination.

Question 11

What is the most pernicious aspect of procrastination?

Answer 11

It can become a habit.

Question 12

What can we do in this very moment according to the text?

Answer 12

Change our lives.

Question 13

What does the text say about sex and Resistance?

Answer 13

Not all sex is a manifestation of Resistance; it can be determined by the hollowness felt afterward.

Question 14

How do we unplug ourselves from the grid of unhappiness?

Answer 14

By doing our work.

Question 15

What does criticizing others often indicate?

Answer 15

It may stem from Resistance.

Question 16

What question indicates self-doubt related to one’s creative identity?

Answer 16

‘Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?’

Question 17

How does self-confidence differ between counterfeit innovators and real ones?

Answer 17

The counterfeit innovator is self-confident; the real one is scared to death.

Question 18

How is fear related to Resistance?

Answer 18

The degree of fear equates to the strength of Resistance.

Question 19

What is the relationship between Resistance and love?

Answer 19

Resistance is directly proportional to love.

Question 20

What do grandiose fantasies signify?

Answer 20

They are a symptom of Resistance.

Question 21

What is Rationalization’s role in relation to Resistance?

Answer 21

It keeps us from feeling shame for not doing our work.

Question 22

What is an insidious aspect of Rationalization?

Answer 22

Many rationalizations presented by Resistance are true.

Question 23

What did Tolstoy accomplish despite personal challenges?

Answer 23

He had thirteen kids and wrote War and Peace.

Question 24

What does Somerset Maugham’s quote illustrate about professionalism?

Answer 24

A pro writes regularly, exemplified by Maugham’s routine of writing every morning at nine o’clock sharp.

This highlights the importance of discipline in a professional’s work ethic.

Question 25

What is the Principle of Priority?

Answer 25

It states (a) the difference between what is urgent and what is important, and (b) do what's important first.

Question 26

What motivates a professional to work?

Answer 26

A professional works out of love for their craft, not just for money. ## Footnote This love is essential for long-term dedication and commitment.

Question 27

What is the risk of having too much love for one's work?

Answer 27

Too much love can lead to choking or overwhelming pressure.

Question 28

What is the true payoff of playing the game for money?

Answer 28

The proper professional attitude developed through the experience, not the potential financial gain.

Question 29

What is the professional's approach to patience?

Answer 29

A professional understands delayed gratification and avoids unrealistic timetables for project completion.

Question 30

How does a professional deal with fear?

Answer 30

A professional acts in the face of fear, knowing it can never be fully overcome.

Question 31

Why does a professional dedicate time to mastering technique?

Answer 31

To be prepared with a full arsenal of skills when inspiration strikes.

Question 32

What does it mean for a professional to distance herself from her instrument?

Answer 32

She assesses her talent and skills objectively, without personal identification.

Question 33

How should a professional handle failure and success?

Answer 33

They should not take either personally, as it reinforces Resistance.

Question 34

What is the role of self-validation for a professional?

Answer 34

A professional self-validates and objectively assesses their work to improve continuously.

Question 35

What does it mean to endure adversity as a professional?

Answer 35

It is better to be actively engaged in one's work, even amidst struggle, than to be passive.

Question 36

What does the critic represent in the context of a professional's work?

Answer 36

The critic often projects their own unfulfilled ambitions and fears onto the artist.

Question 37

What happens when we sit down and do our work as artists?

Answer 37

Power concentrates around us. Ideas come and insights accrete. ## Footnote This reflects the idea that dedication attracts creativity and inspiration.

Question 38

What does Resistance feed on?

Answer 38

Fear. ## Footnote Resistance manifests as various fears that hinder creative expression.

Question 39

List some fears associated with following our heart.

Answer 39

* Fear of bankruptcy * Fear of poverty * Fear of insolvency * Fear of groveling * Fear of being selfish * Fear of failing to support families * Fear of betraying community * Fear of failure * Fear of being ridiculous * Fear of throwing away education * Fear of launching into the void * Fear of madness * Fear of death ## Footnote These fears can prevent individuals from pursuing their true passions.

Question 40

What do we fear about our potential?

Answer 40

We fear discovering that we are more than we think we are. ## Footnote This includes the fear of realizing our true talents and capabilities.

Question 41

What is the job of an individual in this lifetime according to the text?

Answer 41

To find out who we already are and become it. ## Footnote This emphasizes authenticity over conforming to external ideals.

Question 42

What must the artist do in terms of their work?

Answer 42

The artist must operate territorially and do their work for its own sake. ## Footnote This suggests that creative work should not be for personal gain or societal recognition.

Question 43

What is a key question to determine if one's orientation is territorial or hierarchical?

Answer 43

If I were feeling really anxious, what would I do? ## Footnote This self-reflective question can reveal true motivations behind creative pursuits.

Question 44

What would Arnold Schwarzenegger do on a freaky day?

Answer 44

He’d head for the gym. ## Footnote This illustrates a focus on personal discipline rather than seeking social comfort.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for ________.

Answer 45

[attention] ## Footnote It is presented as a gift to the world.

Question 46

What happens when we embrace our ideals?

Answer 46

We must prove worthy of them, which can be daunting. ## Footnote This can lead to losing some friends but finding truer connections.

Question 47

What is the relationship between losing friends and finding new ones in the creative journey?

Answer 47

We lose friends but find better, truer friends. ## Footnote This suggests that pursuing authenticity can lead to more fulfilling relationships.