In my previous post, I discussed the meaning of Resistance and how it causes our creative blocks. Today I’ll be discussing another chapter from The War of Art.
Resistance and Fundamentalism
“The humanist believes that humankind, as individuals, is called upon to co-create the world with God. This is why he values human life so highly.”
In this chapter, the author, Steven Pressfield defines humanists and fundamentalists and why the latter is a form of Resistance.
The Humanist
Humanists are artists and their mind and spirit are anchored in freedom. They’re not afraid of changes that the future has brought, rather they adapt and embrace it. Artists believe humanity is progressing towards a better society. But they’re fully aware of poverty and disease.
Humanists aren’t stuck-up idealists barricaded in ivory towers but are grounded in reality. They’ll create ways to solve the problems of the world.
The humanist mindset is found in libertarian philosophy. Libertarians see evidence that the future will be better and not a dismal dystopia. Technology is rapidly improving the lives of everyone allowing the poor to climb out of poverty. According to recent data, the world poverty rate is ten percent. Compare that to almost thirty-six percent in 1990.
Libertarians are hopeful because they know the free market has solutions to commonly discussed social issues.
The Fundamentalist
The fundamentalist philosophy is pessimism, hopelessness, and victimization. Pressfield explains that the aftermath of war is the breeding ground for fundamentalism. Christian fundamentalism appeared after the Civil War and Islamic fundamentalism formed after constant political and economic instability.
Fundamentalists always have a cloud of despair raining down on them. Every logical solution is shot down with excuses as to why it won’t work simply because it goes against their philosophy. They find comfort in misery and they trap themselves with no beliefs or hope.
Concluding thoughts
How you choose to view the world is up to you. If you find yourself as the fundamentalist, pinpoint why. There are always other options in life. Just ask how to improve your mindset.
Pressfield describes humanists and fundamentalists because he sees these philosophies as responses when freedom is presented. In essence, he is contrasting negative and positive mindsets and that it is an active choice we make.
Freedom is about assuming personal responsibility. Pressfield paraphrased Socrates who defined freedom in a similar manner, “the individual is free only to the extent of his own self-mastery. While those who will not govern themselves are condemned to find masters to govern over them.”
Therefore, we can choose to be humanists walking the path of enlightenment and freedom or allow ourselves to be mentally blocked by fundamentalism and despair. To be a humanist is to create in concurrence with God and the act of creating is an expression of freedom.
What do they have in common ? Why are they being compared?
Hi Christian thanks for your feedback. I’ve updated the post to explain humanists vs fundamentalists. It’s more of a contrast between the two and how they approach freedom or cause individuals to stay in their mental blocks.
thank you!
I was really interested in his comment that we are familiar with the clan, the hunting band mentality, but mentality of art and freedom are relatively new. I’m having trouble myself navigating this. I want to make the trek from fundamentalism to art. I was raised Christian, not quite fundamentalist, but more so leaning that way than towards freedom and art. I’m interested in learning more about crossing that chasm.