Very inspirational.

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.

You know, those books that you read that you want to buy in bulk and gift to everyone you have ever met - and keep on hand for everyone you will ever meet? This is THAT book for me. I can’t even explain it’s magic or compare it to anything else I’ve ever read. It is by no means a religious book. I would not really classify it as self-help either. It stands alone - unless there is a genre for books that live, breathe, and have a soul. If you have ever wanted to read the Bible (or other holy text) but struggle with the language to get to the underlying message, this could be an alternate option. Thoughtfully and patiently crafted. Simple, sweet, impactful, magical, relatable…just so beautiful in every way. ***update*** - after reading several of the less than 5-star reviews I decided to add this since it appears the expectation laid out in the Preface may have been missed by some who cannot seem to appreciate the refreshing simplicity and implied purpose of this text as communicated in the Preface - see photo for Preface screenshot. It FEELS as if this book was intentionally designed to reach as many human minds as possible. This human experience causes us to attach to multiple identities throughout this life - some more permanent than others. I have considered what it might have been like to have this book through every phase of my life so far. When I reflect on all the beliefs that have been rooted, recycled, or replaced, I think I would have cherished this book the most through every major period of growth. Now at age 50, I am regularly challenging my beliefs and biases and I turn to this book frequently for inspiration to that affect. To achieve a work that is easily digestible to every identify and phase of life…that in and of itself must be a daunting task to undertake these days so BRAVO!!! IF you are expecting a book chock full of the authors’ legendary work, this is not that book. Though some of the ideas reference the authors’ experiences with other well-knows, the examples selected are brief and (I feel) carefully curated to support ideas as an example to serve as further clarity and reach every level of comprehension. IF you are looking for a step by step guide on how to…whatever you are into, also NOT that book (see Preface) IF you are looking for a scientific, intellectual, complicated, book full of new ideas to debate with your bourgeoisie friends to see whose most woke (yes I said it)…look elsewhere. BUT…. If you are looking for what seems to be a plea from one human beings’ humble heart to the rest of humanity… THIS is THAT book!

I don’t usually read books but this one is amazing. The physical quality of the book itself is great, the cover linen wrapped and slightly embossed so it looks great on a table/shelf. And the content is fantastic. I wasn’t sure what to expect but Rick Rubin has a wonderful, very centered perspective on life. His takes in here apply to almost any discipline you can think of. Really a great read, 100% recommended.

Great isights written in succinct style so ideas are easy to understand and remember. If you watch any of Rick's videos you'll hear his distinctive voice as you read. A lifetime of wisdom compressed into a handy book. Will keep for years as an inspirational reference.

Who knew that legend music producer, Rick Rubin was a meditating, zen genius? I certainly did not. I have read this book as well as purchased as gifts for others. As humans, we are all creative, whether you paint, or write or hike, or just move around your home, we can invoke our own creative genius inside and this book is a wonderful text to read and reread for inspiration, thoughts to meditate on, and invite conversations with our friends and loved ones. It is also a beautiful, simply designed book, with a minimalistic linen-like texture. Perfect for your coffee table, or bedside nightstand. Great gift for anyone.