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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
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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
My Bible - probably for the next decade. Like listening to the voice of god. I love this man.

Inspiring beyond words.

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Slow down, ignore the noise and zone into your inner voice. The contents of this book, Rick’s meditative wisdom and smooth deep delivery is like sitting under a palm tree on a quite beach. Loved it and will listen again 👍🏻👍🏻

This book is noise canceling headphones for you soul

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Rick delivers a great performance of some sound advice. A few takeaway quotes and gems heavily outweighing any dull moments

Great listen.

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Loved it and will listen again, for sure! one of those books to keep handy, always.

So good!

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Listened 7 times over already!!!!!
So packed with wisdom. Ric’s voice emanates peace and clarity which makes the whole experience of drinking in the rich wisdom an absolute delight.

BEST book on Audible.

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