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

Exceptional

I was blown away by the quality of thought and the writing of this work. Truly exceptional in all regards.

Wise

I found this very wise in its simplicity and directness. It felt the “how to” manual for so many snags and barriers creatives regularly face (here’s the voice of a good mentor).

I recommend it as an artist

This book reinforced some of the things I learned in my path as an artist and musician. It offers clear, generous and thoughtful advice that could only come from someone who dedicated most of their life to creativity. I really liked the clarity and directness of the text.

Simply outstanding

I’ve been a fan of Rick Rubin for a long time. As well as his work, I’ve also found his persona and demeanor in interviews, etc. very peaceful and appealing. So when I saw this audiobook I downloaded and dived in. It did not disappoint. If you are fan of Steven Pressfield’s War of Art, I imagine you will like this. Rubin, who also does the voice work (Thank you!), approaches the topic in his typical zen style.

There are a lot of parallels to War of Art but I feel he expands on those themes and adds much of his own insight and approach.

He offers a lot of tangible advice for keeping your art - whatever that is for you - in perspective and your efforts focused in the right place, the work and the process. I highly recommend this book.

Awesome

Awesome book on creativity, art, and life. I love Rick Rubin! Definitely recommended as a creative tool and life guide.

An Artist Guide to Way of the Creator

As a contemporary oil painter for 20 years this beautifully articulated work of art is a must have in your audio library. Through these subtle, natural and simple observations we get to presently experience Rick’s thought habits and what consistently worked throughout his journey. Thank you Rick!!

A spiritual guide to creating art

Rick Ruben is like Phil Jackson for art and creation. unlock your inner creative ✨️

This is exactly what I thought it would be!

Detailed, articulate, and straight forward. He gives great advise on developing creativity, awareness, and overcoming obstacles. This book is very spiritual as well, I will be giving it a second read!

Beautiful message

I loved listening to this book, and I am excited to implement these reflections and practices into my life. I highly recommend this book

worth a visit

never bothered to leave a review before but the level of thought and care here deserves special consideration.
so.
like.
consider it.