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The Creative Act: A Way of Being Hardcover – January 17, 2023

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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.
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Popular Highlights in this book

From the Publisher

Image of the cover of THE CREATIVE ACT by Rick Rubin. With text that reads: Everyone is a creator.

Nothing in this book is known to be true. It's a reflection on what I've noticed.

Some ideas may resonate, others may not. A few may awaken an inner knowing you forgot you had.

Each of these moments is an invitation to further inquiry; looking deeper, zooming out, or in.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A work of transcendent literature, one that suggests the universe still smiles upon us despite all indications to the contrary.” —The Wall Street Journal

"It really feels to me like the rare book that’s evergreen...It’s a book I wish I would have had on my shelf when I was 25. It’s a book I would give to people who are 25. Maybe it will be the ultimate graduation gift."
— Steve Levitt, People I (Mostly) Admire

“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 knows what he’s doing…His book is not just for musicians. It’s for everyone…A very clear and helpful and thoroughly road-tested vision of the stages of creativity."
The Atlantic

“A beautiful rumination on the creative process. Guiding readers through '78 areas of thought,' Rubin shares his outlook on creativity, which in turn reflects the way in which he views the world . . . The book does a remarkable job of explaining these deep, philosophical ideas in a way that’s easy to understand.”
—Complex

“The legendary producer of artists from Adele to Black Sabbath, Johnny Cash to Jay-Z, distills 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.” Financial Times

“A distillation of the wisdom Rubin has accrued over decades of bringing records to fruition...[To] creatives in need of a spur – or anyone in proximity to a client, or loved one, approaching a deadline –
The Creative Act has just the right level of confident loftiness to provide succour and useful ways of recontextualising problems.” The Guardian

“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.” —Big Issue

“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

“In this extraordinary book, Rick 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.”
—Jony Ive

“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

“There is perhaps no one better qualified than Rick Rubin to help people tap into their creativity.” –Ryan Holiday

“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 endeavoring to live creatively.” —JJ Abrams

“I am reading Rick’s book and truly loving it. I want my kids to read it, want everyone to read it. It is a manual for creativity and creative thinking. A reference book for now and will continue to be of service in the future.”—Mike D

“Rick Rubin created genres. He is like Oppenheimer; a destroyer and creator of worlds, a true genius. Read this fantastic book
The Creative Act: A Way of Being.” Russell Brand
 
“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

“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

“What makes Rick Rubin’s
The Creative Act: A Way of Being great (and it IS great) is not so much the content (though that is extraordinary for sure) as Rick’s own personality and his essence as a man and an artist. What I would call the Muse, Rick calls Source. Source in Rick’s view is infinite and constant, a nonstop, 24/7/365 trade wind of ideas and inspiration that flow through all of us—not just artists, not just 'creative' types. Rick’s whole life and philosophy are about opening himself and others (from the Beastie Boys to Run-D.M.C. to LL Cool J to Metallica and a thousand more) to that cosmic radio station. The Creative Act comes from the pure dojo of Rick Rubin’s heart. A lot of the book is technical, there’s tons of practical wisdom and nuts-and-bolts throughout, but the essence of the work is love—a belief in Source, of that which cannot be known or defined but that we live our lives by, and most importantly, a tremendous respect and honor toward all artists and toward the process and the mystery itself.” —Steven Pressfield, author of The War of Art

“Enlightening . . . You can imagine Rubin in the studio gently reassuring an artist of all the insight he shares here.”
Pigeons & Planes

About the Author

Rick Rubin is a nine-time GRAMMY-winning producer, named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time and the most successful producer in any genre by Rolling Stone. He has collaborated with artists from Tom Petty to Adele, Johnny Cash to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys to Slayer, Kanye West to the Strokes, and System of a Down to Jay-Z.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Press (January 17, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593652886
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593652886
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.34 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 1.27 x 8.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 7,037 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
7,037 global ratings
A must read for creators, and a great read for curious minds
5 Stars
A must read for creators, and a great read for curious minds
I will consistently be referencing this book throughout my creative process. What this book does is offers an alternative perspective on creativity, and gives page at the page of a great advice on how to come up with ideas, brainstorm, and execute creative projects.As a Christian, I found it interesting that he views creativity, as spiritual essentially, also find it interesting that he used a lot of Bible scriptures. A lot of his teachings appears to have stemmed from scripture, whether he will admit it or not. I’ve annotated mine to point out all of the scripture, because he would quote verse by verse, but not credit the BibleNonetheless, I refer to this book as the Bible for creatives. Not to get this any sort of divine context, but to me, it provides a lot of unknown information.If you are a believer, do Reed with discernment, as he mentions the so-called universe, being so perfectly created in genius and broadcasting ideas, he does not mention that this universe he speaks of is a spiritual realm that has both negative and positive ideas. Please test all ideas to see if they thrive from memorial perspectiveFor example, and rap music, we may see that music artist have great ideas, but a lot of times it had lead to evil. Though this idea may have a good beat, the root of it clearly shows where it came from
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024
Rick Rubins invites readers on a captivating odyssey through the uncharted realms of creativity. The book serves as a beacon for those seeking to unlock the full potential of their imagination and break free from conventional boundaries.

The narrative is a seamless blend of insightful anecdotes, thought-provoking exercises, and vivid illustrations, creating an immersive experience that transcends the traditional confines of a creativity guide. The book not only delves into the psychological nuances of creativity but also draws inspiration from diverse disciplines, weaving together a tapestry of ideas that challenge the reader to think differently.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on fostering a creative mindset as a lifelong journey rather than a destination. It skillfully navigates the delicate balance between structured techniques and the spontaneity necessary for true innovation. The author's passion for the subject shines through, making the content accessible to both novices and seasoned creatives.

Rick champions the idea that creativity is not reserved for a select few but is an inherent quality within every individual. By demystifying the creative process and offering practical strategies, the book empowers readers to cultivate their creative instincts and turn their imaginative sparks into tangible accomplishments.

In essence, The creative act is more than just a book about creativity; it's a manifesto for embracing the boundless potential within ourselves. With its engaging prose and empowering message, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to embark on a transformative journey into the heart of their own creativity.

As a side not, I have actually purchased a couple of copies to give as gifts to other creatives.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A journey into The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024
Rick Rubins invites readers on a captivating odyssey through the uncharted realms of creativity. The book serves as a beacon for those seeking to unlock the full potential of their imagination and break free from conventional boundaries.

The narrative is a seamless blend of insightful anecdotes, thought-provoking exercises, and vivid illustrations, creating an immersive experience that transcends the traditional confines of a creativity guide. The book not only delves into the psychological nuances of creativity but also draws inspiration from diverse disciplines, weaving together a tapestry of ideas that challenge the reader to think differently.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on fostering a creative mindset as a lifelong journey rather than a destination. It skillfully navigates the delicate balance between structured techniques and the spontaneity necessary for true innovation. The author's passion for the subject shines through, making the content accessible to both novices and seasoned creatives.

Rick champions the idea that creativity is not reserved for a select few but is an inherent quality within every individual. By demystifying the creative process and offering practical strategies, the book empowers readers to cultivate their creative instincts and turn their imaginative sparks into tangible accomplishments.

In essence, The creative act is more than just a book about creativity; it's a manifesto for embracing the boundless potential within ourselves. With its engaging prose and empowering message, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to embark on a transformative journey into the heart of their own creativity.

As a side not, I have actually purchased a couple of copies to give as gifts to other creatives.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2024
This is one of the very best books I have read on creativity ~ I will be returning to passages and pages in this book often. The thoughts here apply to any type of artist and really just all people, inspiration for how to live in the world.
I love this beautiful book!
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024
The Creative Act: A Way of Being is the most generative book I've read so far for helping me write. What does this mean? I pick up the book, flip through the pages and start to read whatever I feel like. This is almost random, though particular words and phrases are likely to catch my eye, depending on my mood.
You can read and reflect on "78 Areas of Thought" that are applicable to creativity in any mode. Each reader will come to this work with their own particular experience and world view. I can only speak for myself, but Rubin's work feels timeless and wise, simple and spare but full of meaning. I'm receptive to many of his ideas because I've had similar thoughts. I also have a list of "seeds," or ideas that I want to write about. I've visualized my mental blocks to writing as various fears personified as rocks and dry soil over my seeds and sprouts. His "Look for Clues" chapter echoes my "Get Unstuck" jar where I've folded small pieces of paper with various methods to overcome thinking ruts. I'll add a slip of paper to my jar: "Open Rubin's book randomly and read."
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
I loved this book! Rick Rubin is a stimulating author, and it was a pleasure to read this slowly and contemplate on its passages. It is full of support for the artist and his/her journey. I will come back to this book for wisdom many times.
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2023
Wanted to recommend Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act: A Way of Being to all my artist friends out there looking for some fresh inspiration or even a gift for younger artists just starting out.

What has fascinated me about Rick Rubin is how he has had so much success as a record producer, but with such diverse array of iconic musical artists, such as The Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, and the Avett Brothers. All artists I greatly admire for their authenticity. That there must be something very fundamentally sound in his approach and methods.

Recently I have been seeing a lot of interesting videos of Rubin talking about creativity on Tik Tok and YouTube and thought “the book is better” might apply here. And it is. It reminds me of a modern-day version of Robert Henri’s The Art Spirit.

What I personally wanted to learn more about was Rubin’s involvement with Tom Petty’s Wildflowers album. Which I view as Tom Petty’s artistic peak. Considering that Tom Petty started writing songs in 1967 and Wildflowers was made 27 years later, for a late bloomer guy like me, this is very important knowledge to have. : )

But Rubin never actually talks specifically about any of the artists he has worked with. He gives a lot of practical advice on how to break out of creative ruts and how to collaborate. Lots of pearls of wisdom on the whole creative process of selecting and nurturing seeds of ideas, crafting them into works of art, and then deciding when it is time to release them into the world, move ahead and start anew.

He does however speak about the artist’s muse. He calls it Source. The short version is that Source is a never-ending cycle of metaphysical energy, a river-like current that ebbs and flows very much like the seasons of the earth. Human beings channel this energy into art as it is destined to be created by those ready to receive it. And art is life, because it is a manifestation of the way humans think and feel about life. As long as there is life, there will be art.

There is a lot written in this book about self-awareness and being in harmony with the world. Maybe it is Rubin who learned from Petty? That Tom Petty just instinctively knew that he would never run out of ideas or things to create as long as he knew how to tune in to the “Source”.

Because, and be warned, that there are also lots of phrases like “We are dealing in a magic realm. Nobody knows why or how it works.” And “The best work is the work you are excited about.” Which are true, if not obvious, and a bit annoying if not for so many of them. Because they end up sounding like empty platitudes and salesmen-ship.

The book is also over 300 pages. And many a blank space at the end of each chapter to perhaps write notes. A cynic would look at the page inflation as a marketing ploy or ego inflation, or maybe even a little of both.

Overall, the book is of value to those who create. It’s well written. It’s as if a wise person, a trusted source—so to speak—is talking directly to you, coaching you up in their gentle, but very specific, manner. I love that.
108 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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proje
5.0 out of 5 stars confortante
Reviewed in Brazil on March 16, 2024
i n s a n o.
Red green blue
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2024
I don't know what is most impressive about this book, first how simple it is to understand and read, while you get to the point of idea so simply yet with efficiency. Secondly, if you're a creator, you'll feel that the way everything is describe about how creation happen in this book, is simply what you might have experience already but didn't have the words or the way to describe it. I think this book truly show us how Rick Rubin master creation, while the book itself is a very strong creative tool. Books like this are so rare. I'm sure in the future this book will be a classic.
5 people found this helpful
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Nash
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libro, excelente lectura.
Reviewed in Mexico on June 5, 2023
Llego en buenas condiciones. Añado que tenía un detalle poco notorio pero visible si se examina minuciosamente. En cuanto al diseño, es bastante bueno, es de para dura con acabado en tela de color gris y logotipo negro plastificado. Es tanto minimalista como elegante. Un muy buen libro en cuanto esté tétrica y en cuánto a lectura. Es muy fácil de leer y digerir. No está demás decir que contiene mensajes bastante abstractos y se requieren conocimientos previos acerca de cómo funciona el cerebro a nivel subconsciente. También sería bueno leerlo con conocimiento previo en neurología y transduccion. En general es excelente y contiene un mensaje muy profundo e inspirador.
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Nash
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libro, excelente lectura.
Reviewed in Mexico on June 5, 2023
Llego en buenas condiciones. Añado que tenía un detalle poco notorio pero visible si se examina minuciosamente. En cuanto al diseño, es bastante bueno, es de para dura con acabado en tela de color gris y logotipo negro plastificado. Es tanto minimalista como elegante. Un muy buen libro en cuanto esté tétrica y en cuánto a lectura. Es muy fácil de leer y digerir. No está demás decir que contiene mensajes bastante abstractos y se requieren conocimientos previos acerca de cómo funciona el cerebro a nivel subconsciente. También sería bueno leerlo con conocimiento previo en neurología y transduccion. En general es excelente y contiene un mensaje muy profundo e inspirador.
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6 people found this helpful
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Diego Montes
5.0 out of 5 stars My bible!
Reviewed in France on May 9, 2024
It's the most delicious, instructive, encouraging, thrilling book I've ever read.
But I'm already talking too much, I must tidy my apartment, organize my evening in a Stakhanovist way, and immerge myself into work, because, thanks to the book, I understood my role in this universe!
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening
Reviewed in Italy on April 28, 2024
A brilliant book that shows you to be able to see and live life with another’s perspective, a creative perspective. Highly recommend to artists and non artists