“Resistance is the most toxic force on the planet. It is the root of more unhappiness than poverty, disease, and erectile dysfunction. To yield to Resistance deforms our spirit. It stunts us and makes us less than we are and were born to be. If you believe in God (and I do) you must declare Resistance evil, for it prevents us from achieving the life God intended when He endowed each of us with our own unique genius.”

This quote is in the beginning of one of the best books I have ever read about artistic inspiration.  Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art frames resistance as the main theme in keeping people from discover their authentic selves creatively. The War of Art lays out a blueprint on how resistance can keep us from attempting the thing that stirs us the most from within.

The War of Art divides up into three sections: The Enemy of Creativity is part one where Pressfield reveals how resistance is determined to keep creativity at a bay and only exist as a figment of the imagination. Turning Pro is part two where the text reveals that becoming a professional artist (showing up to do the work everyday whether it’s good or bad) is antidote to resistance. The Higher Realm is part three where Pressfield looks at creativity on a higher plane and how it connects spiritually to defeat resistance.

Each entry of the book is written in one to two page notes where the reader can read and reflect on the wisdom that Pressfield provides on how to defeat resistance.  As someone, who has read The War of Art many times, these entries reveal a deeper meaning upon rereading them.

I have read a lot of books on artistic or creative inspiration and none of them have connected with me like The War of Art does. If you are looking to do something creative, change a lifestyle, or start a business, then I would recommend this book.  I will end this review with my favorite quote from the book:

“Resistance feeds on fear. We experience Resistance as fear. But fear of what?

Fear That We Will Succeed.

That we can access the powers we secretly know we possess. That we can become the person we sense in our hearts we truly are.

We know that if we embrace our ideals, we must prove worthy of them. And that scares the hell out of us. What will become of us?”

Indeed.  What will become of us if we face resistance and actually succeeded?  That is a question only each of us can answer for ourselves. Thanks to Steven Pressfield for providing some answers.