★★★★★
As a writer and photographer, I am fascinated by creativity and the many questions surrounding the concept. Questions such as: Where do creative ideas come from? Why do some people consider themselves creative while others do not?
Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act, which contains the record producer’s 78 ‘areas of thought’ on creativity, argues that creativity is as essential to being human as breathing.
As the subtitle suggests, Rubin believes creativity is a way of being in the world. “Creativity is something you are, not only something you do. It is a way of moving through the world every minute of every day,” he says.
This book is an inspirational resource packed with many thought-provoking quotes and exercises. One of my favorite things the book has inspired me to do so far is to pose a question to myself, pick a random passage in a random book, and contemplate how the passage applies to the situation. The exercise proved to be interesting and revealing.
I could see why some might not find the book appealing and think it talks in circles, but I got a great deal from reading it. It opened my eyes to new possibilities and gave shape to sentiments and ideas I was not fully conscious of, yet they resonated deeply with me.
I jotted down many notes and quotes I wanted to remember and continue contemplating, which is a sign of a compelling book. I could see myself going back to and reading it multiple times and getting something different. It’s also written so that you can consume 1-2 areas of thought and be inspired if you don’t have the time or desire for a full re-read.
“We interrogate ourselves when we offer our work up to others. We ask the questions we didn’t ask ourselves when we were making it.”
I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to expand or refine the creative voice that lives within them. While it is aimed at people who see themselves as artists or creators, the musings and reflections have applications for innovative problem-solving in all kinds of professional and personal realms.