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The Creative Act

A Way of Being

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The Creative Act

Written by: Rick Rubin
Narrated by: Rick Rubin
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About this listen

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
Creativity Music Inspiring
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What the critics say

“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

What listeners say about The Creative Act

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Fantastic Resource

Listen to this book to fine tune your mindset in regards to the creative process. I’m on my third listen through. If you’re willing, with an open heart and mind, you will find in this book morsels of inspiration around every other corner. So many of these lessons are worth contemplating and internalizing. Valuable creative process ideas that I’ve coveted in my life as an artist, some of which I had forgotten, came to the surface for me in this book. Rick’s narration is also superb. His tone is both soothing and direct. His intentions ring clear. This book and the recording of it are simply put, a gift. Treat your psyche to a way of being that serves an artful way of being. The Creative Act is as much helpful as it is healing. Thank you Rick.

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Rick Rubin is the Eckhart Tolle of creativity

I wasn’t expecting this book to be so beautifully delivered. Every page is a meditation dedicated to finding the true meaning of creativity and how to nurture it. There are so many valuable insights and memorable quotes. Take the time to listen or read. You may want to re-listen as soon as you’re finished!

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The deepest insights about creativity

The authors insights are so deep and interdisciplinary. It’s like listening to a bodhisattva that came back to be one of the world’s greatest record producers just for fun. I work in film and as a studio artist and so very much if what he says rungs true for me. His insights are definitely interdisciplinary and I would highly recommend for anyone interested in the subject or any artist.

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Immediately Amazing

Have recommended this to any other artist I meet. Affirming insights I only thought were my own, I believe anyone will benefit from finding and sharing their most creative moments after reading this book!

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A must read for any artist or creative person.

Rick is able to express verbally the principles of creativity in a way that is approachable and relatable. I learned a lot from this book, and it inspires me to be a better artist.

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A monolith to indulge in the making.

Effectiveness and a-peal in regards to the accomplishment of the student in a undecided approach, great read.

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Best Guiding book as a music creative

This is probably the best music creative book I've ever read and I've read many. If you're serious about your music career, you need to listen to it. Hopefully he can produce an album of mine someday.

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Delight for the soul

Rocks voice is soothing during this whole book.
He gently guides in in corners and spaces you may not have even know exist or where possible.
Thank you Rick

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Amazing collection of ideas!

I once, in the not too distant past, cold-emailed shangri-la studios to seek out Rick's wisdom. I wasn't sure what I was looking for... I just knew that his philosophy and methods were tried and true. this book is like the answer, and im very grateful he took the time to craft it. I will be re-listening to this many times, thank you!

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One of the best music books I have ever taken in

Incredible wisdom and I need to revisit many times……………great book great book great book

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