Episode
#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
1:27:56
Published: Sat Jun 20 2020
Description
Steven Pressfield is a historian and author of War of Art, a book that had a big impact on my life and the life of millions of whose passion is to create in art, science, business, sport, and everywhere else. I highly recommend it and others of his books on this topic, including Turning Pro, Do the Work, Nobody Wants to Read Your Shit, and the Warrior Ethos. Also his books Gates of Fire about the Spartans and the battle at Thermopylae, The Lion's Gate, Tides of War, and others are some of the best historical fiction novels ever written. Support this podcast by supporting these sponsors: - Jordan Harbinger Show: https://jordanharbinger.com/lex/ - Cash App – use code "LexPodcast" and download: - Cash App (App Store): https://apple.co/2sPrUHe - Cash App (Google Play): https://bit.ly/2MlvP5w This conversation is part of the Artificial Intelligence podcast. If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/ai or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it 5 stars on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, or support it on Patreon. Here's the outline of the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. OUTLINE: 00:00 - Introduction 05:00 - Nature of war 11:43 - The struggle within 17:11 - Love and hate in a time of war 25:17 - Future of warfare 28:31 - Technology in war 30:10 - What it takes to kill a person 32:22 - Mortality 37:30 - The muse 46:09 - Editing 52:19 - Resistance 1:10:41 - Loneliness 1:12:24 - Is a warrior born or trained? 1:13:53 - Hard work and health 1:18:41 - Daily ritual
Chapters
In this episode, Lex Fridman has a conversation with Steven Pressfield, author of The War of Art, discussing creativity and the process of writing.
00:00 - 05:02 (05:02)
Summary
In this episode, Lex Fridman has a conversation with Steven Pressfield, author of The War of Art, discussing creativity and the process of writing.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode explores the human urge for conquest and how it can be sublimated through sports and other activities where individuals can relate to their opponents as human beings.
05:02 - 19:57 (14:54)
Summary
This episode explores the human urge for conquest and how it can be sublimated through sports and other activities where individuals can relate to their opponents as human beings.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The imbalance of power between groups can lead to demonization and conflict, but as empathy is fostered through media and cultural exchange, it becomes harder to villainize the other side.
19:57 - 28:48 (08:51)
Summary
The imbalance of power between groups can lead to demonization and conflict, but as empathy is fostered through media and cultural exchange, it becomes harder to villainize the other side. However, the idea that crossing a line will result in retaliation can still provide a starting point for productive conversation.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A conversation about the psychological effects of war and the act of killing, including the ways in which soldiers cope with their experiences.
28:48 - 32:37 (03:48)
Summary
A conversation about the psychological effects of war and the act of killing, including the ways in which soldiers cope with their experiences.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea of mortality can give meaning to life, with a perspective from a Kabbalistic Jewish standpoint recognizing the soul trying to communicate with us on a higher plane.
32:37 - 39:03 (06:25)
Summary
The idea of mortality can give meaning to life, with a perspective from a Kabbalistic Jewish standpoint recognizing the soul trying to communicate with us on a higher plane.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
During a surgical operation, Nicholas Cage appears in a long duster coat like Jesse James, causing distraction and bafflement for the medical staff.
39:03 - 44:31 (05:27)
Summary
During a surgical operation, Nicholas Cage appears in a long duster coat like Jesse James, causing distraction and bafflement for the medical staff.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The process of writing is a long and challenging journey that requires years of perseverance and continuous learning.
44:31 - 51:47 (07:16)
Summary
The process of writing is a long and challenging journey that requires years of perseverance and continuous learning. An editor's perspective is more important than a writer's, and everything written about the craft is an attempt to teach oneself the rules.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the speaker discusses how the ego can act as the resistance and the villain in every story, as it operates out of the self and is fearful of opening itself up to the cosmic dimension and other forces.
51:47 - 1:00:56 (09:09)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker discusses how the ego can act as the resistance and the villain in every story, as it operates out of the self and is fearful of opening itself up to the cosmic dimension and other forces.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
An exploration of the power of visualization in athletics and beyond, including the importance of planning and preparing for success.
1:00:56 - 1:08:18 (07:21)
Summary
An exploration of the power of visualization in athletics and beyond, including the importance of planning and preparing for success.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The line between self-confidence and ego can get blurry in creative endeavors.
1:08:18 - 1:12:35 (04:17)
Summary
The line between self-confidence and ego can get blurry in creative endeavors. However, having confidence in one's abilities can be a driving force towards success, as long as it doesn't cross into becoming an inflated ego.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while being productive, specifically referencing the book by Arianna Huffington which encourages individuals to prioritize sleep and not sacrifice their health.
1:12:37 - 1:17:47 (05:09)
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while being productive, specifically referencing the book by Arianna Huffington which encourages individuals to prioritize sleep and not sacrifice their health.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host and guest discuss how to structure the perfect writing schedule, including the importance of discipline and time management, and why inspiration isn't everything.
1:17:47 - 1:21:27 (03:40)
Summary
The host and guest discuss how to structure the perfect writing schedule, including the importance of discipline and time management, and why inspiration isn't everything.
Episode#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares his perspective on the creative process and how he doesn't like to worry or think too much about it, but rather just immediately dives into the work.
1:21:27 - 1:27:36 (06:09)
Summary
The speaker shares his perspective on the creative process and how he doesn't like to worry or think too much about it, but rather just immediately dives into the work.