In the hierarchy, the artist faces outward. Meeting someone new he asks himself, What can this person do for me? How can this person advance my standing? In the hierarchy, the artist looks up and looks down. The one place he can't look is that place he must: within.
Steven PressfieldA cavalryman's horse should be smarter than he is. But the horse must never be alowed to know this.
Steven PressfieldWriters think in metaphors. Editors work in metaphors. A great reader reads in metaphors.
Steven PressfieldPlaying the game for money produces the proper professional attitude. It inculcates the lunch-pail state of mind that shows up for work despite rain or snow or dark of night and slugs it out day after day.
Steven PressfieldDon't prepare, do. Don't let Resistance sucker you into wasting months on background, foundation, planning. All that can come later.
Steven PressfieldThe artist and the mother are vehicles, not originators. They don't create the new life, they only bear it. This is why birth is such a humbling experience. The new mom weeps in awe at the little miracle in her arms. She knows it came out of her but not from her, through her but not of her.
Steven Pressfield