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How do Western and Oriental philosophies incorporate symbolism differently?
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Western philosophies like Plato's 'Phaedrus' often use symbolism to reveal philosophical truths, while Oriental texts such as the 'Bhagavad Gita' use symbols more in a spiritual and allegorical context.
How does Steven Pressfield adapt classical inspirations in his work?
Pressfield adapts classical inspirations by incorporating themes and philosophies from ancient texts into modern narratives, such as in 'The Legend of Bagger Vance', which parallels the Bhagavad Gita.
What are the characteristics of resistance according to Steven Pressfield?
Resistance is described as an invisible, internal force that is universal and impersonal, often born from a fear of growth and manifesting as a deterrent from purposeful work.
What distinguishes a professional from an amateur in the creative process?
A professional commits to their creative work every day with seriousness and routine, while an amateur treats it as secondary or casual.
Why is ceremony and routine important in the creative process?
Ceremony and routine instill discipline and seriousness, helping to combat resistance and harness inspiration effectively.
How do historical philosophers address the concept of internal resistance?
Many historical philosophers discuss internal resistance as obstacles to personal growth and creativity, often framing it as a necessary struggle for self-actualization.
What is the concept of 'internal warfare' as described in ancient texts like the 'Bhagavad Gita' and the 'Odyssey'?
Internal warfare refers to the inner battle against inertia, instincts, and adversity which impede personal growth and creativity.
What invitation does studying philosophy offer in understanding these concepts?
Studying philosophy offers an in-depth understanding of concepts like resistance and personal growth, providing insights from various cultural and historical perspectives.
How should one align their work with higher purposes according to the lecture?
One should offer the fruits of their labor to something beyond themselves, dedicating the outcomes to higher ideals or purposes.
What role does the Muse play in Pressfield’s philosophy on creativity?
Pressfield invokes the Muse as part of a daily ritual to inspire creativity, viewing it as a source that elevates work beyond technical perfection.
What strategies does Steven Pressfield suggest for overcoming resistance?
Pressfield suggests daily commitment to one’s craft and treating it with professionalism, akin to professional work, to overcome resistance.
What is a common fear related to success discussed in the lecture?
A common fear is the fear of achieving one's true potential, which can manifest as resistance or self-sabotage.
Why does modern society struggle to create new humanistic symbols, according to the lecture?
Despite technological advancements, modern society struggles with creating new symbols as it relies heavily on ancient symbols, lacking a modern narrative that embodies universal human experiences.
How does the spiritual aspect differentiate between the Self and the Ego?
The Self is driven by growth and creativity, aspiring for higher purposes, whereas the Ego focuses on survival and often fears achieving true potential.
Compare territorial to hierarchical orientation in terms of creative work.
Territorial orientation focuses on personal fulfillment and nourishment from the craft itself, while hierarchical orientation seeks validation from peers and society.
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