The Creative Act

A Way of Being

By: Rick Rubin

Narrated by: Rick Rubin

Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

2024 GRAMMY NOMINEE FOR BEST AUDIOBOOK

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023

SHORTLISTED FOR THE FOYLES NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023

Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day and then ages out. 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 distils 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 Canongate Books

Critic reviews

"You'll probably read this extraordinary book four times. The first time, you'll gobble it up. The second time, you'll savour it. The third time, you'll take notes in the margins. But the fourth time, the fourth time it will be part of you as you create the work you were ready to ship." (Seth Godin)

Brilliant book

It’s difficult to watch some of low reviews complaints that the story wasn’t what they expected to be. Book is well structured and with plenty of great advices. Highly recommended.

Perfect to pick up and listen to anytime!

I was gifted the print version and enjoy randomly selecting pages to read and reflect on, but wanted the audio version to enjoy on my commute to work.

It offers wonderful and thought-provoking insights to start your day and I've been aware of carrying many things through my day, applying them or sharing them where relevant.

I get to work with Rick Rubin!

It's like I am in studio working with him, and he is mentoring and guiding me. I use it as a blueprint to keep me on track, and it's a book I will read and re-read (well, hear and re-hear!). Thank you Rick. I am the richer for your sage guidance and gentle inspiration.

On my third listen, preparing for the 4th, 5th…nth

I’ve had such a pleasure listening to Rick’s delivery & content. I’ve found it applicable and freeing.

Astonishing Brilliant!!!!

As a visual artist I found it extremely thought provoking inspiring causing me to look at the depth of my self awareness within the context of creativity. Utter Masterpiece!!!

I am an Artist

Thank you Rick.

It’s clear now.

I am an Artist.

Rick Rubin is a Wonderer & Discerner extraordinaire. Nothing here is frivolous. Also, nothing here really matters that much. Except that it may ignite something in you, as it has in me.

Jarryon

A great piece of art

Calm, balanced, observant, intelligent and so much fun. I will definitely come back to it multiple times.

Not what I was expecting

I was excited about listening to this. I was hoping for some stories and insights linked to Rubin's own experience with all the legends he has worked with. His skirting of this apart from in the most generic terms is very frustrating.
This is a string of familiar aphorisms about creativity interspersed with a few well-worn, second-hand examples. I managed to get through it, but only just.
On the plus side, Rick Rubin has a relaxing voice.