The Creative Act

A Way of Being

By: Rick Rubin

Narrated by: Rick Rubin

Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

The #1 New York Times bestseller.

"A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment.”—Anne Lamott

From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us.

“I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be.”—Rick Rubin

Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day. Rick Rubin is known for something else: creating a space where artists of all different genres and traditions can home in on who they really are and what they really offer. He has made a practice of helping people transcend their self-imposed expectations in order to reconnect with a state of innocence from which the surprising becomes inevitable. Over the years, as he has thought deeply about where creativity comes from and where it doesn’t, he has learned that being an artist isn’t about your specific output, it’s about your relationship to the world. Creativity has a place in everyone’s life, and everyone can make that place larger. In fact, there are few more important responsibilities.

The Creative Act is a beautiful and generous course of study that illuminates the path of the artist as a road we all can follow. It distills the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime’s work into a luminous reading experience that puts the power to create moments—and lifetimes—of exhilaration and transcendence within closer reach for all of us.

©2023 Rick Rubin (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“This is a gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment.”—Anne Lamott

“To Rubin, art is the ultimate form of self-actualization, a noble calling that enriches the soul . . . So, how does an artist move from conception to creation? Rubin methodically lays out the process, offering a mixture of encouragement, inspiration and tips . . . Rubin has written a fascinating book infused with deep thoughts, insight and, yes, lots and lots of creativity.”—Los Angeles Times

“Rick Rubin is the definition of a creative genius and he has put his wisdom in one place and it is possibly the most inspiring book on creativity I have ever read. The Creative Act is up there with Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird and Stephen King's On Writing . . . The advice in here is brilliant . . . For those wanting to feel some new life and confidence in their creative bones, this book is a godsend.”—Matt Haig

The Book that I have been waiting for my whole life.

This book has been the book I have been waiting for my whole life. I am almost 50. It has given me tremendous joy and will keep on listening to it as a constant practice and reminder of what truly matters. May you enjoy this book as much as I have.

Buy. Now.

This book took me by surprise, I got the alert that it was available on my Audible account and immediately purchased it - I expected it to be a welcome, fun break in the middle of a heavier book i’ve been studying. It was in fact - a very insightful look at the creative process from one of musics most accredited producers - you would expect a guy like this to name drop major artists (in which he’s worked with 100’s) telling tales of late night recording sessions and eccentric artists but the book is much more focused on mindfullness, self-awareness, self doubt, being open to inspiration and not taking one self so seriously.
I found myself pulling out my phone and denoting bookmarks more often than most any of the previous books i’ve read in recent history. It gives great advice to anyone working and work process in any creative or even typically noncreative structure. This will be one i will listen to bits n chunks from for awhile. If you go the Audio route like I did - Rubin narrates the book and a very soothing gong sound lets you know you’ve hit the end of the chapter, which are very short 3-6min for the bulk of them. It’s great and I would absolutely recommend.

Zen Koan for the modern (western) mind

Rick presents his understanding imagination as the original definition of genius, a force that we are succumbed to when the mind is still. We are but a vessel that that's it rises out of, it's not us it's the thoughts, if we don't create someone else will. It's not us it's the creativity and those who allow themselve to hear what is being said, who take the time to listen.

Excellent

Something about Rick not subbing out the voice work for this takes it to an entirely different level. He’s clearly a Jedi and the messages and philosophies come across and land with impact coming through his experience, outlook and overall energy. Probably take at least another listen I enjoyed it that much.

Every creative needs to hear Rick’s compelling narrative !

This is an amazing piece of work. I am usually at my easel while listening to books. Many times, I had to stop painting and sit down to make sure I heard Rick’s important messages.

Entropy… The Door is Open

Bravo Rick!!
I painted all day while listening to your amazing new book. It was like you were speaking through the tunnels of my spine!
I’m going to listen to it again! Everything you said are so important for every artist to hear.
With an abundance of gratitude.
Erin McDonald

God Talking

When I first started listening to this book I thought, this feels like God talking! Such beautiful, simple, truthful ideas. Thank you, Rick Rubin, for putting this out there for all to contemplate. How can I possibly give God a bad review!

A big step up from “The Artist’s Way”

I first heard about Rick and his book while watching an episode of 60 Minutes. His style resonated with me on so many levels, so I bought his book as an audiobook. Now I’m going to buy it as a hard copy so I can refer back to it. “The Artist’s Way” had been my top book, yet something about it wasn’t the right fit for me. Rick’s “The Creative Act” has tugged at all the artist parts of me by shedding light on every joy and struggle I’ve had along the way. This book is perfection in its honesty.

Eye opening and creatively healing

This book is one I was most anticipating and I was not disappointed. Rick Rubins insight on the creation of art and the spiritual connection we share with it is invaluable. Highly recommend to anyone who’s been feeling like they’ve been in a rut with their creativity or their artistry!

PS I loved the steel drum notes before each chapter, kept me in tune with the experience!

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