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

Nuggets of inspiration

True confessions. I had never heard of Rick Ruben, I am not in the music scene, and not an "artist"... but I am an entrepreneur and creative being is at the source of building businesses. Really loved this book and found his words and insight on the creative process to be something I return to time and time again. Great listen

Thank you Rick

Loved the way Rick ties in creativity with who are and how you relate to the world.

Audible : please give a volume option on the screen while listening.

Valuable insight without limitations

As a musician, Rick’s observations helped me recognize my strengths and weaknesses as a songwriter and collaborator….. he puts a “how and why” to the different elements of creativity, so that you can compartmentalize each aspect individually so that you can work more effectively on your art. Without giving instruction, he lets you absorb the information the way it beat helps each artist. Enjoyed it very much.

Creative guru

Half way through I thought…‘I can’t wait to listen to this again.’ It was like a creative meditation for me sparking many ideas that I quickly journaled. I recommended and shared it with 2 friends already. Great book of insight, tools, and things to ponder.

It’s not just about art

A way of looking at life . Listen with an open mind and allow it to permeate .

inspirational.

This is someone who truly lives in the moment. does not dwell in the past or what's in the future.

Must re read this.

Not just art but all things that are created by humans are addressed through Rubin’s 1/2 zen 1/2 practical lens.

Creative Wonder

This piece of art should be in anyone’s toolkit. Artists, Entrepreneurs, Managers, Executives, Marketers, whatever your background, this will help you perform your role better, improve personal introspective validation, and develop more respect for your peers and colleagues.

Rick is an enigma

Sure he has many points he proposes, but his point of view is what sets him apart. Well worth the listen, especially since it is read by Rick himself. Applicable to much more than a traditional artist in the sense of musician, painter, sculptor, etc. everyone can take away something from this wonderful read. You may even conclude he is out of his mind, but hey, you learned something right?

Simply perfect

A wise man sharing his lessons that he took years to learn. Thank you Rick 🫶🏻