Pressfield defines Resistance as the inner force that tries to distract people from their creative pursuits. Resistance can manifest itself in various ways, including self-doubt, procrastination, escapist behavior, and more. Overcoming Resistance is the central theme of Pressfield’s work; he demonizes Resistance as “evil” since it prevents people from sharing their creative gifts and finding purpose.

Pressfield refers to the Muse as a positive force of inspiration that helps artists generate ideas and see them to completion. Pressfield borrows the concept of muses from the ancient Greeks, who believed that they were a kind of goddess who could influence artists. While Pressfield believes that muses or angels literally exist and help to make people more creative, he encourages the reader to perceive their influence as innate talent if they do not believe in supernatural beings.

Pressfield claims that humans generally define themselves either by their rank in a social hierarchy, or by their connection to a territory. When artists define themselves hierarchically, they become more self-conscious and make art that they think will make them successful, rather than pursuing topics that inspire them. Thinking hierarchically makes people more conscious of rank and status, which harms artists’ ability to create genuine works.