The Creative Act: A Way of Being
by Rick Rubin
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ABOUT
The Creative Act (2023) is legendary music producer Rick Rubin’s manifesto on creativity. In the book, Rubin argues that creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for everyone. To awaken your own creativity, Rubin tells us, you must commit to a creative practice. In this summary, you’ll find out how to make that happen.
Crucial Quote
“Living life as an artist is a practice. You are either engaging in the practice or you’re not. It makes no sense to say you’re not good at it. It’s like saying, “I’m not good at being a monk.” You are either living as a monk or you’re not. We tend to think of the artist’s work as the output. The real work of the artist
is a way of being in the world.” ― Rick Rubin, The Creative Act
BIG IDEAS
- Creativity is a way of being.
- Collaborate with the world.
- Explore.
- Go on a journey of self-discovery.
- The creative act is a risk.
- The creative act is a gift.
- Your responsibility.
- Establish a creative practice.
- Find a community.
- The creative act is a journey.
1. Creativity is a way of being.
”Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human. It’s our birthright.”
Creativity is not something that you do, but something that you ARE. It’s a way of perceiving the world and interacting with it.
Creative people are always looking for new ways to see things and to express themselves. They’re not afraid to take risks and to experiment.
Rubin shares a story about a young musician who loved playing the guitar. This naturally gifted artist, Rubin tells us, was always in the act of creation—whether it was playing the guitar, painting, or writing poetry. He was not afraid to experiment and to take risks.
One day, the young musician was playing a guitar solo at a concert. He got so lost in the music that he started to improvise. He played notes that he had never played before. He created something new and beautiful.
And by the time he was done, the audience was left stunned. They had never heard anything like it before.
They knew that they were witnessing something special.
And indeed it was.
That young musician would eventually go on to become a household name: Jimi Hendrix.
Hendrix’s solo is a beautiful example of how creativity can be a way of BEING in the world. It is about being present in the moment and allowing your creativity to flow freely. It is about taking risks and trying new things. It is about creating something that is truly unique and original.
Actionable insights:
- If you want to be more creative, be as present as possible. Be in the moment, like Jimi Hendrix was when he stunned his audience with his improvised guitar playing. Be willing to experiment. Be open to new ideas. And don’t be afraid to take risks. You might be surprised at what you create.
- The painter Henri Matisse once said, “I am not making art. I am simply trying to live my life in a creative way.” Creativity is not something that we merely do, but something that we are. It is a way of being in the world. When we are creative, we are expressing ourselves in a way that is authentic and true to ourselves.
- We can all be creative, regardless of our age, background, or skill level. The important thing is to be open to new experiences and to be willing to experiment. When we are creative, we are opening ourselves up to new possibilities and to a richer and more fulfilling life.
2. Collaborate with the world.
”The artist brings their own unique perspective to the world, but the world also provides the artist with inspiration and material.”
The artist is not a lone genius, but a collaborator with the world around them.
Alice Munro was a young writer struggling to finish a story she’d been working on for months. She was unhappy with her work and felt like something was missing.
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