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The Creative Act

A Way of Being

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The Creative Act

By: Rick Rubin
Narrated by: Rick Rubin
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THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
2024 GRAMMY NOMINEE FOR BEST AUDIOBOOK
SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023
SHORTLISTED FOR THE FOYLES NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023

Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day and then ages out. 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 distils 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.

 Consciousness & Thought Creativity Personal Development Philosophy Inspiring Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

"This book is a companion to anyone on the creative path; for me, Rick Rubin's attention, consideration, ideas have dug themselves down deep into my consciousness and grown with my work, so that over time, I have found myself in the shelter of a huge resplendent tree, and remembered that it all started with a word or two from a person who really, really listened. May it start something similar in you" (KAE TEMPEST)
"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)
"The legendary producer of artists from Adele to Black Sabbath, Johnny Cash to Jay-Z, distils the insights of a glittering career to reveal how to get the best out of musicians — and offers useful lessons for the rest of us in the process"
"An existential enquiry into the nature of creativity, art and being part of the human race . . . a deep look at the most fundamental of human impulses"
"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 . . . For those wanting to feel some new life and confidence in their creative bones, this book is a godsend" (MATT HAIG)
"You'll probably read this extraordinary book four times. The first time, you'll gobble it up. The second time, you'll savour it. The third time, you'll take notes in the margins. But the fourth time, the fourth time it will be part of you as you create the work you were ready to ship" (SETH GODIN)
"A gorgeous, delicious and wildly practical interrogation of the creative process. A master of his craft, Rubin supplies rich insights, sound advice, helpful suggestions and supreme comfort to anyone living to create, or endeavouring to live creatively" (JJ ABRAMS)
"I want my kids to read it. I want everyone to read it. It is a manual for creativity and creative thinking. A reference book for now which will continue to be of service in the future. Much needed" (MIKE D)
"In this extraordinary book, Rick Rubin beautifully captures the sacred but commonplace practice of creating. I find it so powerful when someone gives voice or form to what we know but perhaps don’t understand. Designers from any discipline will find Rick's words profoundly encouraging and inspiring" (SIR JONY IVE)
"A distillation of the wisdom Rubin has accrued over decades of bringing records to fruition . . . Seductive"
All stars
Most relevant
I was very sceptic about Rick Rubin as a producer because I was into my mental ghetto.
He is one of the most prominent characters behind some of the best music made in the last 40 years.....
So I decided some months ago to tear down my mental walls and being open to understand.
Rick Rubin's favourite book is the Red Book by Jung.......
This book will become a classic about defining a way of being that will lead to personal growth and living relations.
The writer starts from his experiences to build a space open to all experiences and lives.
A great read and a great audiobook.
Thank you Mr. Rubin.

This book can save lives

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This book is full of wisdom and amazing advice. Rick does a great job at explaining things whilst still keeping it easy to understand. Recommend this book to ANYONE who makes music and art!

Best book I have read

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This is a profound and life affirming book for everyone . No background necessary because art is life and life is art. There are so many insights along the way and a whole bunch of affirmations that make this book so wonderfully readable. Go read it now!

The creative act is just brilliant.

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Rick Rubin is a very wise man. I listened to this book expecting to get a few tips out of it to improve my music, having finished it I walk away inspired with a new lease of life.

Truly inspiring

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Anyone who has ever been a part of ”the creative act” no matter how modest, whether alone or in collaboration, will recognise the gravitas of authenticity that rings through each quotable phrase of this book. Mr. Rubin, while talking a very good talk has obviously walked the walk - many times, over a long period of time.

This book is a gem to be savoured many times over. It should be standard reading as self orientation before one gets lost in the shutting down process of institutionalised self doubt.

In short, read/listen to it. Buy it as a gift to someone who gets it too - or at least might were they to have the benefit of this book.

”That guy gets it.”

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