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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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£5.99/mo after 3 months. Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST. Cancel monthly.

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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)
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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an introduction to the process of creating. it's subtleties, nuances, the manner in which your elastic can, will and shall be stretched. The stories have are always being told. Now go and live them out. Give them a new spin. Build and add on

ONE LOVE!

A dope look at creativity

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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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A lifetime’s experience can’t be fully appreciated in just one listen. For any creative, or anyone interested in the power of creativity, this is a bible for ‘why’ and ‘how’. I shall buy the book too and revisit often. Rubin is a true guru.

Demands further listening

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