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The War of Art

by Steven Pressfield · first published 2002

Recommended by 9 people Derek Sivers, Ryan Holiday, Chris Guillebeau, Darius Foroux, Dickie Bush, James Clear, Mark Manson, Matt D'Avella, Chris Williamson

Writing, art & ideasPhilosophy & how to live

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Who recommended it

  1. Derek Sivers Writer, musician and founder of CD Baby

    Explicit recommendation

    Rated 10/10. Pressfield's short book on overcoming the resistance that stops creative work.

    Notes on The War of Art Personal websitesive.rs sive.rs · 5 Jan 2012 · checked 12 Nov 2026

  2. Ryan Holiday Author and bookstore owner

    Explicit recommendation

    Ryan Holiday named it as a book they have given as a gift more than any other, answering Tim Ferriss's interview question.

    The Unusual Books That Shaped 50+ Billionaires, Mega-Bestselling Authors, and Other Prodigies Interviewtim.blog The Tim Ferriss Show · 10 Dec 2016 · checked 12 Nov 2026

  3. Chris Guillebeau Blogger, traveler

    Explicit recommendation

    Recommended in Chris Guillebeau's blog post "16 Great Books to Change the World".

    16 Great Books to Change the World Blog postchrisguillebeau.com The Art of Non-Conformity · undated · checked 12 Nov 2026

  4. Darius Foroux Writer and entrepreneur

    Explicit recommendation

    Recommended on Darius Foroux's reading list, in his best creativity books.

    Listed in the source as “The War Of Art”.

    Reading list Personal websitedariusforoux.com dariusforoux.com · undated · checked 12 Nov 2026

  5. Dickie Bush Co-founder of Ship 30 for 30

    Year-end favourite

    One of Dickie Bush's ten favourite books of 2020, from his year-end newsletter.

    Dickie's Digest: The Best of 2020 Newsletterdickiebush.substack.com Dickie's Digest · Dec 2020 · checked 12 Nov 2026

  6. James Clear American author and speaker

    Explicit recommendation

    On James Clear's curated "Best Art Books" list.

    Listed in the source as “The War of Art: Break Through Your Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles”.

    Best Art Books Personal websitejamesclear.com jamesclear.com · undated · checked 13 Nov 2026

  7. Mark Manson American author and blogger

    Explicit recommendation

    On Mark Manson's own list "The 7 Best Books on Writing".

    The 7 Best Books on Writing Personal websitemarkmanson.net markmanson.net · undated · checked 13 Nov 2026

  8. Matt D'Avella Filmmaker and YouTuber

    Explicit recommendation

    In a video on their own YouTube channel, Matt D'Avella names this among the six books that have had the greatest impact on his life.

    Six Books That Changed My Life Videoyoutube.com YouTube (Matt D'Avella) · 11 Jun 2018 · checked 13 Nov 2026

  9. Chris Williamson Podcaster, host of Modern Wisdom

    Explicit recommendation

    In a video on their own YouTube channel, Chris Williamson names this among ten books that really changed his life.

    10 Books That Really Changed My Life Videoyoutube.com YouTube (Chris Williamson) · 17 Aug 2021 · checked 13 Nov 2026

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