The Creative Act: A Way of Being
4.7 | 10,853 ratings
Price: 17.72
Last update: 02-02-2026
Top reviews from the United States
- CJDLove this book. Unique & complex topics explained beautifully & simplyThis book is filled with so much digestible, bite-sized information about creativity in art, business, or whatever you are pursuing.
I highly recommend it. What a fun read.
The author has the unique skill to explain extraordinarily complex terms in very simple language.
I learned so much from this book.
Highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. - NikolaiThe most insightful book on art creationRick Rubin knows how to create art. He also knows how others create art, in this case it's even more important - his observations lead to very deep and profound conclusions on what does it mean being and artist and how do you approach making great art. A must read.
- KanaA beautiful book inside and outThe Creative Act is easy to read without being dumbed down like so many books these days. It is beautifully written and serves as ongoing inspiration. The chapters are shorter so I literally leave it out and read a chapter whenever I want to feel inspired. It doesn’t hurt that it’s aesthetically pleasing as well so looks great on any coffee table.
- Justin MorrisonAn Open Mind, Guys.I'm a lifelong musician, composer, creative, performer, etc. This book has always been recommended to me by colleagues, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I agree with many of the common points that came up in the majority of reviews, and I'll discuss them here:
1. Perfect Coffee Table Book: Yes, this is a wonderful application. It's an easy book to pick up, put down, and resume later. The chapters are short and are packed full of simple, quiet advice that you can consider and ponder throughout your day.
2. It's "the book": This one depends where you are on your creative journey. I believe that I will read this book again, probably several times, in the future. There is a ton of excellent advise and wisdom in there, and reading through it quickly causes a lot of information to be passed over. It should be digested and internalized slowly. Most of the wisdom was old information that I've heard from teachers, colleagues, friends, or through personal musical discovery and experience. However, it's invaluable to have these shared experiences collected in one place. If you are just starting out on your creative journey or don't currently consider yourself a creative person, I expect that you'll actually learn a lot from this book.
3. The prose meanders. Yes, it does. I think you could largely read the chapters out of order and it wouldn't matter. That's okay - as Rick writes, language is an imperfect filter. Much of what he shares is a different viewpoint or expression of the same idea, so one chapter may be passed over while another may unlock something important in you. The whole book works together to instill growth, confidence, and creative openness - the colorful prose is a necessary feature.
This is a book about growth that instills growth. It's going to take time to marinate and be useful to your creative process. I will say that reading Rick's knowledge has helped me find ways to streamline my personal writing process, trust the art, and better navigate roadblocks like doubt and lost direction. I've rated it four stars for its nature - it is not a solution, but a tool. A reference. I'll use this book when I'm stuck in my creating. Maybe it will help, maybe it won't, but something in it will help move the creative flow eventually.
It's also necessary to address several popular reviews that mention, and in some cases fixate, on religion. This is not a sacred text or religious doctrine. It is a way of structuring your life and workflow to increase and invite creative moments and creative energy to help you achieve your goals and be more creative. I can't speak for Rick, but if you're viewing everything he writes through a strict religious lens, you're missing the entire point. It is frequently emphasized how important it is to have, nurture, and cultivate an open mind. To see and experience the world though many lenses and experiences. To explore diversity, open thought, and the self. To listen, observe, and connect with the world around us. Practicing these methods is necessary for encouraging creaticity. Reading this book through an extraordinarily narrow lens may help a little, but the majority of the contents will be misconstrued. There are a couple key chapters about that. ;) - T. FargoThe Creative Act; A Wonderful Book!One of the best books I've ever read! Very inspirational and uplifting! Easy to read and gives you confidence and reminders to just be yourself while expressing creativity. I'll read this again and again...
- MichSSFGreat book!Easy to read and very insightful. It’s an eloquent reminder that creativity starts with awareness, truth, and trust in the process... with more intention and calm. Less chasing trends, more creating what resonates. Quiet, wise, and grounding—this one stays on my desk.
- vincent jordanBeyond creative, it’s self realization on steroidsWhat can be said about Rick Rubin that hasn’t been said already? Not a damn thing. In this life the average everyday person may encounter genius once or twice at the most, Rick Rubin is one of my encounters with true genius. Great read and useful almost as a reference guide at times!
- It'sChrissThis book is a hidden gem.This is an awesome book! I love it so much that I bough an extra copy to give away. Very easy and relaxin gread filled with gems. If you are an artist or creator you will love the fresh approach that the author takes. I also love the insights and aciton steps he offers... all besides the wonderul storeis he tells. It's worth a read at least once a year.