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

Truly life improving work

Love that Rick Rubin narrated the whole book,
it really feels like he condensed all of his knowledge and experience into easy to digest chapters. You will feel like you want to take notes every 2 minutes from the beginning to the end of the book, for real! I recommend this book to everyone, Rick’s teaching apply to everyone at any age, the sooner you discover this lessons, the better. Can’t recommend this enough!

Great compilation for creative journey 👍

I am a scientist by profession. I found this book highly relevant for the creative journey I am taking up. Great read 📚

this is therapy for an artist

it was very therapeutic and insightful. I was shocked how many issues he touched on that I have struggled with. There's honestly so much useful knowledge about crafting and the artistic process its hard to distille. As well as great ways to destress or approach things in different ways. Is give it a 10/10 and will be listening to it several more times forsure.

Great Book

Essential reading for artists of all kind. Both inspiring and instructive. And the cherry on top…the tone and cadence of Ricks voice is perfect for this content and you get the impression he’s sincere in what he’s saying. Will listen again and again.

Astounding

Creativity is the fruit of humanity! what an incredible piece of work by somebody who has helped influence the culture and therefore society of the world.

A TRUE GURU

Mr. Rubin’s book is a lucid, comprehensive, compassionate masterpiece for any creative in any field. This is a must read(listen). He is obviously intune with the creative process and how the universe speaks to us in countless ways. He is a sympathetic spirit, aware of the human condition, who has no doubt, journeyed to his inner self and come back with a treasure trove of gems, to impart to all of us. Universe bless him and all he does, for he is one of us. I must meet him, and thank him personally. 🙏

Worth Every Moment

This is a book you could tackle multiple times and still get new information out of it. Rick’s delivery is indicative of why he has been so successful, and his process is broken down with great ease due to his confidence in himself. Any creative person should listen to this, multiple times.

Excellent and inspiring

Loved it. Thank you Rick for the insight and inspiration to continue creating. I appreciate you.

Powerful

Nurturing yet challenging.
Philosophical while practical.
Rubin’s work is nothing short of masterful.
His reading of the book adds to the story through his even, deep vocal timbre. I couldn’t stop listening. If you are a creative of any sort (which we all are if we choose to see it and this book will help expand that awareness), this is a must read.

Thank you for this confirmation and encouragement.

The Creative Act is filled with so much information that allowed me to reflect on my current state of mind. For me, this book allowed me to recognize my creative greatness. Thank you Rick for following your heart and creating this book. I wish you the best.