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The Knowledge
Where did The War of Art come from? How did creativity sensei Steven Pressfield come up with the notion that there is an insidious force in the universe called Resistance that keeps us from pursuing our life’s work and fulfilling our artistic destiny? And that until we recognize and engage in an end-of-days battle with the big “R,” our inner genius will remain blocked and unborn inside an internal protoplasmic goo? Was he touched by angels as he contemplated the universe in an ashram? Did he meet a mysterious stranger in a truck stop in Twin Falls, Idaho who imparted deep truths over a cup of muddy Joe? Perhaps blunt force trauma in a Reno bar had something to do with it? If only… As his "too close to true novel," THE KNOWLEDGE, riotously reveals, the truth of Pressfield’s Weltanschauung origin story lies somewhere between fact and fiction… In the high-crime 1970s in New York, Pressfield was driving a cab and tending bar, incapable of achieving anything literary beyond the completion of his third-in-a-row unpublishable novel. Until fate, in the form of a job tailing his boss's straying wife, propels him into a Big Lebowski-esque underworld saga that ends with him coming to a life-altering crisis involving not just the criminals he has become deeply and emotionally involved with, but with his own inner demons of the blank page. THE KNOWLEDGE is not just a writer's coming-of-age story. It's every writer's coming-of-age story. If you're a fan of THE WAR OF ART, Pressfield's new novel, THE KNOWLEDGE, is the story behind that story and the origin tale between its lines.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2016
56 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Steven Pressfield
90 books5,901 followersI was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in 1943 to a Navy father and mother.
I graduated from Duke University in 1965.
In January of 1966, when I was on the bus leaving Parris Island as a freshly-minted Marine, I looked back and thought there was at least one good thing about this departure. "No matter what happens to me for the rest of my life, no one can ever send me back to this freakin' place again."
Forty years later, to my surprise and gratification, I am far more closely bound to the young men of the Marine Corps and to all other dirt-eating, ground-pounding outfits than I could ever have imagined.
GATES OF FIRE is one reason. Dog-eared paperbacks of this tale of the ancient Spartans have circulated throughout platoons of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan since the first days of the invasions. E-mails come in by hundreds. GATES OF FIRE is on the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Reading list. It is taught at West Point and Annapolis and at the Marine Corps Basic School at Quantico. TIDES OF WAR is on the curriculum of the Naval War College.
From 2nd Battalion/6th Marines, which calls itself "the Spartans," to ODA 316 of the Special Forces, whose forearms are tattooed with the lambda of Lakedaemon, today's young warriors find a bond to their ancient precursors in the historical narratives of these novels.
My struggles to earn a living as a writer (it took seventeen years to get the first paycheck) are detailed in my 2002 book, THE WAR OF ART.
I have worked as an advertising copywriter, schoolteacher, tractor-trailer driver, bartender, oilfield roustabout and attendant in a mental hospital. I have picked fruit in Washington state and written screenplays in Tinseltown.
With the publication of THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE in 1995, I became a writer of books once and for all.
My writing philosophy is, not surprisingly, a kind of warrior code — internal rather than external — in which the enemy is identified as those forms of self-sabotage that I have labeled "Resistance" with a capital R (in THE WAR OF ART) and the technique for combatting these foes can be described as "turning pro."
I believe in previous lives.
I believe in the Muse.
I believe that books and music exist before they are written and that they are propelled into material being by their own imperative to be born, via the offices of those willing servants of discipline, imagination and inspiration, whom we call artists. My conception of the artist's role is a combination of reverence for the unknowable nature of "where it all comes from" and a no-nonsense, blue-collar demystification of the process by which this mystery is approached. In other words, a paradox.
There's a recurring character in my books named Telamon, a mercenary of ancient days. Telamon doesn't say much. He rarely gets hurt or wounded. And he never seems to age. His view of the profession of arms is a lot like my conception of art and the artist:
"It is one thing to study war, and another to live the warrior's life."
I graduated from Duke University in 1965.
In January of 1966, when I was on the bus leaving Parris Island as a freshly-minted Marine, I looked back and thought there was at least one good thing about this departure. "No matter what happens to me for the rest of my life, no one can ever send me back to this freakin' place again."
Forty years later, to my surprise and gratification, I am far more closely bound to the young men of the Marine Corps and to all other dirt-eating, ground-pounding outfits than I could ever have imagined.
GATES OF FIRE is one reason. Dog-eared paperbacks of this tale of the ancient Spartans have circulated throughout platoons of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan since the first days of the invasions. E-mails come in by hundreds. GATES OF FIRE is on the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Reading list. It is taught at West Point and Annapolis and at the Marine Corps Basic School at Quantico. TIDES OF WAR is on the curriculum of the Naval War College.
From 2nd Battalion/6th Marines, which calls itself "the Spartans," to ODA 316 of the Special Forces, whose forearms are tattooed with the lambda of Lakedaemon, today's young warriors find a bond to their ancient precursors in the historical narratives of these novels.
My struggles to earn a living as a writer (it took seventeen years to get the first paycheck) are detailed in my 2002 book, THE WAR OF ART.
I have worked as an advertising copywriter, schoolteacher, tractor-trailer driver, bartender, oilfield roustabout and attendant in a mental hospital. I have picked fruit in Washington state and written screenplays in Tinseltown.
With the publication of THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE in 1995, I became a writer of books once and for all.
My writing philosophy is, not surprisingly, a kind of warrior code — internal rather than external — in which the enemy is identified as those forms of self-sabotage that I have labeled "Resistance" with a capital R (in THE WAR OF ART) and the technique for combatting these foes can be described as "turning pro."
I believe in previous lives.
I believe in the Muse.
I believe that books and music exist before they are written and that they are propelled into material being by their own imperative to be born, via the offices of those willing servants of discipline, imagination and inspiration, whom we call artists. My conception of the artist's role is a combination of reverence for the unknowable nature of "where it all comes from" and a no-nonsense, blue-collar demystification of the process by which this mystery is approached. In other words, a paradox.
There's a recurring character in my books named Telamon, a mercenary of ancient days. Telamon doesn't say much. He rarely gets hurt or wounded. And he never seems to age. His view of the profession of arms is a lot like my conception of art and the artist:
"It is one thing to study war, and another to live the warrior's life."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 14, 2016
You probably know Pressfield as the author of Gates of Fire. Or maybe The Legend of Bagger Vance. Or maybe The War of Art. All amazing works.
The Knowledge is like no other Pressfield book. Hemingway famously said "Writing is easy. All you have to do is sit at a typewriter and bleed". And I think Pressfield really bled for this.
The Knowledge stars Stretch, an aspiring writer and oft-times jackass. He's crude, testosterone-filled, and makes bad choices. The Knowledge is subtitled A Too Close to True Novel and it's a near-autobiographical view into how an immature, undisciplined young writer becomes a pro, and grows up in the process. It's great reading and goes down easy and quick. If you've read Pressfield, this book is mandatory - you'll see him in a whole new way, no matter how much of this is "true".
The Knowledge is like no other Pressfield book. Hemingway famously said "Writing is easy. All you have to do is sit at a typewriter and bleed". And I think Pressfield really bled for this.
The Knowledge stars Stretch, an aspiring writer and oft-times jackass. He's crude, testosterone-filled, and makes bad choices. The Knowledge is subtitled A Too Close to True Novel and it's a near-autobiographical view into how an immature, undisciplined young writer becomes a pro, and grows up in the process. It's great reading and goes down easy and quick. If you've read Pressfield, this book is mandatory - you'll see him in a whole new way, no matter how much of this is "true".
December 20, 2017
You can't go wrong with Pressfield
If you're already familiar with Steven Pressfield, I'm not sure why you're reading the reviews. Looking for somebody to say, Yeah, this one is really good too, I guess. It is.
If you're not familiar with Pressfield, you may as well just dive in. You won't be disappointed.
He's not for everybody of course. The people who wouldn't like him probably never make it this far. Me? I trust Steven to not my waste my time. He's earned it.
If you're already familiar with Steven Pressfield, I'm not sure why you're reading the reviews. Looking for somebody to say, Yeah, this one is really good too, I guess. It is.
If you're not familiar with Pressfield, you may as well just dive in. You won't be disappointed.
He's not for everybody of course. The people who wouldn't like him probably never make it this far. Me? I trust Steven to not my waste my time. He's earned it.
February 2, 2017
Awesome to see the beginnings of The War of Art and Turning Pro. Super interesting knowing that's the back drop while being a real page turner of a story.
May 19, 2017
Maybe I was expecting too much. I love War of Art and was looking forward to a metaphor for Resistance. It was mostly an action novel. None of the characters are interesting enough to root for. I found myself not caring too much what happens. There wasn't much to Stretch's inner life, he just kinda gets involved with a few things and skirts along the surface. Where's the feeling? Where's the inner journey? Maybe I was expecting too much.
December 28, 2023
Came here from Govt Cheese. Left with my mind absolutely blown after finishing this action-packed thrill ride. It’s a fast-paced read that makes you keep turning the page and is hard to put down. Highly recommend checking this one out. After reading Govt Cheese and now this, Pressfield has really impressed me on his storytelling ability—something readers of his self-help books might not know. I hope more people find this book because it definitely deserves to be mentioned as one of his best.
June 8, 2021
I was very disappointed in this book. While I believe the author is very talented, this was a terrible book. The book had several subplots that were crazy and added nothing to the book. I felt like the author was just seeing how much unbelievable crap he could throw into the book. I almost quit reading this book several times, I wish I had. Do not waste your time on this book.
December 4, 2023
What a ride!!
I had a blast being taken on the adventures of the narrator!! I especially loved the scenes that often took place outside of the main story. The black bar scene being my absolute favorite!! I couldn’t stop smiling and reading!! Thanks so much Steven Pressfield.
I had a blast being taken on the adventures of the narrator!! I especially loved the scenes that often took place outside of the main story. The black bar scene being my absolute favorite!! I couldn’t stop smiling and reading!! Thanks so much Steven Pressfield.
July 20, 2017
This is a really fun, quick read. I love the work Steven does and this is a wonderful addition.
January 4, 2018
Absolutely amazing, cracks my top ten in non fiction. This book is a page turner that you never want to end.
December 23, 2018
Yet another home run from Pressfield. I found this story both compelling and inspiring....a rewarding read.
September 3, 2021
What to expect from Steven Pressfield
A good read. Runs on a bit too much at times describing several events. Nonetheless, I would offer this book is well worth reading.
A good read. Runs on a bit too much at times describing several events. Nonetheless, I would offer this book is well worth reading.
March 26, 2022
So much fun to read!
August 12, 2023
One of my favorite authors. The book meandered too much.
February 25, 2017
Really fun read, especially if you've ever lived in the City.
September 10, 2018
A glimpse into the life of a writer. I’ve always imagined myself being a writer, living that lifestyle. But the older I get, and the harder I realize that lifestyle is, I’m beginning to think differently. I would like to write, but from a point of passion, not romanticism.
1. You walk in and your knees immediately begin banging into canvases - 9 [Artistic Romanticism]
Talent is bullshit - 23
2. I see a million writers with talent. It means nothing...It’s work, you gotta work, do the fucking work...You work. No one can take that away from you - 23
3. I’d much rather write in the office than at home - 61
4. My habit on weekends is to go in really early, severn thirty when the streets are empty - 61
Robert Moses - 67 PEOPLE
5. You work hard...but you work stupid - 89
1. You walk in and your knees immediately begin banging into canvases - 9 [Artistic Romanticism]
Talent is bullshit - 23
2. I see a million writers with talent. It means nothing...It’s work, you gotta work, do the fucking work...You work. No one can take that away from you - 23
3. I’d much rather write in the office than at home - 61
4. My habit on weekends is to go in really early, severn thirty when the streets are empty - 61
Robert Moses - 67 PEOPLE
5. You work hard...but you work stupid - 89
February 13, 2017
Steven really sucks you in to his world of the mid seventies in New York. Hilarious twists and page turning energy. Having read his other non-fictional work I appreciated to see the beginnings of those books and struggle here. In parts I felt the story lost focus and got drenched in details of the setting.
January 2, 2017
I love Steven Pressfield's writing -- it's tight, gritty and bang on the $. This book was no exception. I love the way the characters were developed and Mr P made me want to turn the next page, and the one after that. If you like Gangster type books with a twist then you'll love reading this book.
December 26, 2016
A real page-turner. Haven't read much of Pressfield's fiction, but I'll do so now. I still prefer his non-fiction work, but he's a great writer and this book was solid from beginning to end z
April 19, 2017
Great getting to know Steven Pressfield's alter ego. If you've read the war of art, then you can certainly see the bones for that book shining through the cracks as you read this.
A great story and an engaging read that's easy to pick up whenever.
A great story and an engaging read that's easy to pick up whenever.
May 9, 2018
A taut thriller, whose main character has a vibrant, ya gotta love him verve and vulnerability. Pressfield shows us the same take-no-prisoners compassion in fiction that we love and crave in The War of Art.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews