The Creative Act

A Way of Being

By: Rick Rubin

Narrated by: Rick Rubin

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

I just wanted to understand art

I left this book wanting to go to an art museum. I now have a new found understanding of what true art really is. It’s spine chilling to say the least.

What a beautiful piece

Mr. Rubin beautifully describes his creative process in a way that makes it feel like anyone can craft something beautiful, whatever your talent may be. Absolute masterpiece!

Deep understanding on creativity on a new level

His voice says it all, I here his depth, I here is wisdom. It is in the tone but what he is saying is as well, preafpund. Thank you! 🐢

artist's Bible, whatever your art

invaluable information delivered in unpretentious way. Rediscovered my creative soul. Soothing voice and exquisite descriptions. Priceless.

Rick Rocks

If you love Rick and his work you will love this book. The lessons are clear and at the heart very simple to follow. So simple that it’s easy to dismiss them as being woo-woo. If you follow them, as a creative these lessons will shape your career. Stick to them and you’ll create great work. Inspiring read.

Insightful for creatives

I found the contents of this book to be insightful as a creative. It covered ways to collaborate, give and take feedback, and the importance of foundational thinking.

Prospective mind blown

Another amazing outlook on the world! And ways to put it in practice I loved it

Loved this book

Amazing book by an incredibly aware person - very inspiring on many levels! If you’re interested let in living a more creative life this book is for you

Great book. Thoughts are concise.

I love the way this book is written. You can tell Rick went through and crafted each sentence with meaning rather than filling a book with fluff.

MASTERFUL Guide to a Life of Creativity

Rick Rubin leads us on a comprehensive, concise and incisive examination of how to live a life of beauty (and wisdom).

If you seek beauty in any domain, this book should be on auto-repeat for the rest of your life, whether weekly, monthly or annually.

I LOVE how some people have complained in their reviews that it wasn't what they expected. They apparently weren't ready to hear what he has to say. You cannot educate the unwilling.

There's a saying, "How you do anything is how you do everything." I think that includes how we learn. You can only learn from something if you're open to learning. If you pre-judge the material, or have preconceptions about what it should look like, that will hamper us from learning from it.