The Creative Act cover art

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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About this listen

2024 GRAMMY NOMINEE FOR BEST AUDIOBOOK

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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.

©2023 Rick Rubin (P)2023 Canongate Books
Consciousness & Thought Creativity Personal Development Philosophy Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

"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)

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Rick nails the creative process here for me. He’s made it possible for me to pick up my pen again without the sense of overwhelm but with limitless possibilities to play, create and write in the stream of consciousness and know and trust the tug of direction.

Inspiring and a game changer to kick start my book writing!

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listen to it, buy the book first yourself & every creative you know. It is pure beauty for the creative soul.

Beautiful

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Very well written with some very interesting views on being a creative, I really do see myself reading this book over and over again.

Eye Opener

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Love the format, short lessons to think about. A lot of life lessons that don't necessarily only apply to art.

Great format

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Essential for any creative to understand the process, let go, find joy, and make great art.

Amazing. Essential handbook

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Lovely to listen to. Uplifting, inspirational and motivational. Teaching you to listen out for inspiration, to trust yourself and the process.

Inspiring stories

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Packed with amazing revelations for anyone who is or has ever struggled to create not just art but anything

Inspirational

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I did enjoy this book so much, it flowing like no other audio book ever for me.

Flowing Like River

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A thought-provoking exploration of creativity, wrapped in a poetic and relatable style. Rubin’s insights dig deep into the essence of creative expression, making it an inspiring read for artists and musicians. While some find the bite-sized reflections impactful, others feel the content lacks depth. The tactile, material-feeling cover adds a unique touch, and the book offers a surprisingly comforting experience overall. A mixed bag, but worth it for those seeking encouragement and perspective on their creative journey.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin - inspiring

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This is a wonderful uplifting heartwarming and exciting read..or even better for me is to listen to Rick read it. Beautifully done! As a visual artist I feel freed up to play, to take risks and to just enjoy the creative process without the burden of reasoning and context and shit talk around what it's all about. I'll leave that for others to do. With much gratitude,

A beautiful thing

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