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  • The Creative Act

  • A Way of Being
  • Written by: Rick Rubin
  • Narrated by: Rick Rubin
  • Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (252 ratings)

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The Creative Act cover art

The Creative Act

Written by: Rick Rubin
Narrated by: Rick Rubin
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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

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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Wow, life changing book

I'm not finished listening yet but feel compelled to write a quick review.

There's no doubt this book will change alot of lives. Normally, if i miss something while listening I'll rewind to make sure i understand wgat is beig said. I didn't worry about that all with this one, because i will be buying a hard copy and treating it like my Bible. Almost every line in the book is "quotable".

Rick Rubin, what a gem!

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Fantastic read for everyone, life changing for a select few

Absolutely incredible to be able to have all this wisdom packed into 5 hours and 40 minutes. Every few minutes I’d have to pause and really reflect on what Rick is saying. An unbelievable gift of essential knowledge about creativity in its purest form, and of the self. This book is the North Star for musicians. There’s no way to retain all this in one reading, as it is not just one lifetime of wisdom, but hundreds of artists that Rick has worked with and observed. This book should be part of a reading curriculum for high-schools, especially for students who show interest in art at a young age. This book is priceless and timeless, and I will regularly come back to this book when needed. Thank you Rick! Much love <3

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Wonderful!

This book really inspired me! I’ve just started making art and this book really taught me a lot!

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For the pure artist

A read for any level or just the curious.. There aren’t any magic techniques or short cuts here, just mental coaching about everything from exploration to confidence the reader can refer to. A timeless guide and resource book…for new inspiration just bring yourself- and your experiences.

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Calming words of encouragement

Rubin says in the very beginning to take what you need from this book and leave the rest, I found that is exactly what I did. I went back and re-listened to parts that spoke to me and even took notes. There are areas of this book that will not apply to your craft at all, and I think that’s fine. Great narration!

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If you need encouragement

Soothing voice, ok narrative. It just sort of skims to surface of being an artist. Maybe better for people who need encouragement.

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Wonderful read

I enjoyed this so so much I am already reading it again. 10/10 recommend!!

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It’s fine.

The performance is well done, but to be honest, I don’t understand why this title is so popular. Maybe I’m coming to it with a different perspective than a lot of readers, but I find the observations in this book superficial and largely self-evident. If you’ve never engaged in critical introspection into your creative processes, then this might be a worthwhile start; but unless you need someone to explain to you — at length and with examples — that different artists prefer to listen to different things while working, maybe skip this one.

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Thoughts for a creative to live by

Great narration and a window into Rick Rubin’s generous and compassionate creative spirit. Rick’s meditative and compassionate approach to creativity really cuts through the noise of negativity out there about the creative life

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Rick Rubin is a creative soul

Rick is a true creative soul and understands what is important when creating and allowing creation. I’m lucky to have a similar experience in another field so most of the things he talks about are already part of my professional and personal life. I recommend this book to people getting into art and into being creative in their life.

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