The War of Art

Brief Summary

It’s a typical self-help book which I normally refrain from picking up, but here I am in the library and remember a friend talking about this book. The War of Art by Pressfield (2012) is written like a blog and probably offers some insights but it wasn’t for me. I did take some notes though.

Miscellaneous Notes

• p.64. The act of sitting down and doing the work produces inspiration.

• p.65. Principle of priority:

  1. Must know the difference between what is urgent and what is important.
  2. Must do what is important first.

  What’s important is the work.

• p.70. Do not over identify with your job. You may take pride in your work but you are not your job description.

• p.78. The sign of the amateur is over glorification of and preoccupation with mystery.

  The professional shuts up. He does not talk about it, he does his work.

  The professional masters how and concentrates on technique. And leaves the rest, what and why to the gods.

  Pro doesn’t wait for inspiration, he acts in the anticipation of its apparition. Pressfield (2012).