GATES OF FIRE

May 28, 2025

Steven Pressfield, a former Marine and bestselling author, shares insights into the heroic valor of the Spartans during the Battle of Thermopylae, emphasizing themes of duty and brotherhood. He recounts his personal challenges and the emotional turmoil of evacuating wildfires in Malibu. Pressfield explores his transition from screenwriting to historical fiction, discussing the significance of accuracy and storytelling. The conversation touches on the complexities of heroism, resilience in writing, and the profound bonds forged through sacrifice in combat.

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ANECDOTE

Pressfield’s Wildfire Escape

Steven Pressfield lost his home, car, and inventory of books in a Southern California wildfire.
He evacuated after the wind shift, narrowly escaping a massive traffic jam caused by the fire.

INSIGHT

Leading Others Eases Fear

Responsibility for others removes personal fear in tough challenges.
Steven Pressfield realized leading others gave him courage during a tough boot camp run.

INSIGHT

Research Through Imagination

Researching Thermopylae was simpler because historical records are scarce.
Pressfield had to imagine details of Spartan warfare using expert input and historical fragments.

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Gumb and Cheese

Steven Pressfield

Nobody Wants to Read Your Shit

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Steven Pressfield

Histories

Herodotus

The Histories by Herodotus is a foundational work in Western historical literature. It chronicles the Greco-Persian Wars (499–479 BCE) and provides a comprehensive background on the rise and organization of the Persian Empire. The work is divided into nine books, each named after one of the Muses. Herodotus describes the conflicts between the Greeks and Persians, including key battles such as Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, Plataea, and Mycale. He also delves into the cultural, ethnographical, geographical, and historiographical aspects of the civilizations involved, offering a rich tapestry of historical and mythological narratives. Despite some criticisms for including legendary accounts, much of Herodotus's work has been validated by modern historians and archaeologists[1][2][3].

The Artist's Journey

Shawn Coyne

Steven Pressfield

In 'The Artist's Journey', Steven Pressfield extends the concept of the hero's journey to the artist's life. The book posits that after completing the hero's journey, an individual embarks on the artist's journey, a path of self-discovery, creative production, and overcoming internal resistance. It emphasizes the importance of finding one's authentic calling and producing work that is true to oneself. The journey is described as a constant, solitary, and mental evolution focused on self-discovery rather than self-expression[3][4][5].

The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Steven Pressfield

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.

Lost victories

Erich von Manstein

In 'Lost Victories,' Erich von Manstein provides a detailed personal narrative of his military career during World War II. The book covers his roles in the invasion of Poland, the Western campaign, and extensively on the Eastern Front. Manstein critiques Hitler's leadership and strategic decisions, while also discussing his own military strategies and the challenges faced by the German army. The memoir avoids political and ethical contexts of the war, focusing primarily on military operations and tactics. Historians have criticized the book for its self-serving nature and Manstein's omission of his involvement in war crimes and the Holocaust.

The firm

John Grisham

The Firm follows Mitch McDeere, a top Harvard Law graduate, who is aggressively recruited by Bendini, Lambert & Locke, a small but highly lucrative law firm in Memphis. The firm offers him an irresistible package of benefits, including a high salary, a new BMW, payment of his law school loans, and a luxurious lifestyle. However, Mitch soon discovers that the firm is involved in illegal activities, particularly money laundering for the Mafia. As an FBI investigation unfolds, Mitch is pressured to cooperate while navigating a treacherous moral landscape, trying to protect his family and his own life. The novel is a gripping tale of ambition, morality, and the high-stakes world of legal and criminal intrigue.

A TIME TO KILL

John Grisham

The novel tells the story of attorney Jake Brigance and his client, Carl Lee Hailey, whose ten-year-old daughter, Tonya, is raped by two white men. Carl Lee kills the rapists and is charged with capital murder. Jake Brigance, despite the dangers and racial tensions, defends Carl Lee in a trial that becomes a focal point for racial violence and community unrest. The story explores themes of inequality, intolerance, and retribution, set against the backdrop of a small town in Mississippi where ancestral racism remains strong[1][3][5].

Gates of fire

Steven Pressfield

Gates of Fire tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae through the eyes of Xeones, a wounded Greek soldier who recounts his life and the events leading up to the battle. The novel explores Spartan culture, the rigorous training regimen known as the *agoge*, and the heroic stand of the Spartans against the overwhelming forces of the Persian Empire. The story is framed as a series of interviews between Xeones and members of the Persian court, detailing the battle and its aftermath, as well as the personal and philosophical aspects of Spartan warfare and culture[1][3][5].

Turning pro

tap your inner power and create your life's work

Steven Pressfield

In 'Turning Pro,' Steven Pressfield provides a practical and inspirational guide for entrepreneurs and creatives to shift from an amateur mindset to a professional one. The book is divided into three parts: the first describes the addictive nature of the amateur, the second paints a vision of what it means to be a pro, and the third focuses on cultivating professionalism. Pressfield emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear, self-doubt, and procrastination, and adopting habits such as discipline, regularity, and a constant striving for excellence. He also discusses the concept of 'shadow careers' and the need to align one's work with their true calling for authentic fulfillment.

The Authentic Swing

Shawn Coyne

Steven Pressfield

In 'The Authentic Swing', Steven Pressfield delves into the story behind his historical golf novel, 'The Legend of Bagger Vance'. The book explores Pressfield's writing philosophy, his experiences growing up around golf, and how he drew inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita to create the novel. It also discusses the concept of the 'authentic swing', which metaphorically represents finding one's true self and creative voice. The book provides insights into Pressfield's writing process, his decision to set the novel in the Southern United States in the 1920s, and the themes of identity and creativity that are central to his work.

Do the Work

Steven Pressfield

Cry Havoc

Joe Musia