Creativity can be sparked by external forces, thinking beyond established norms.
Belief in something greater can fuel creativity and lead to breakthroughs in art and self-expression.
Embracing flaws and imperfections can add humanity and emotion to creative works.
Deep dives
The Power of External Inspiration
Creativity can be sparked by external forces, rather than relying solely on internal inspiration. The example of the computer program AlphaGo defeating a Go Grandmaster by making a move that had never been considered before demonstrates the power of thinking beyond established norms.
Belief and the Spiritual Component
Belief in something greater, whether it's a higher power or the potential for radical new ideas, can fuel creativity. Rick Rubin emphasizes that being open and receptive to external influences, and embracing the possibility of what's not yet known, can lead to breakthroughs in art and self-expression.
Embracing Imperfections
Perfection is not the goal in artistic endeavors. Embracing flaws and imperfections can add humanity and emotion to creative works. This can be seen in the example of the leaning tower of Pisa, or in personal experiences like Rick Rubin's collaboration with Johnny Cash on a song, where changing the perspective from a romantic love song to a devotional to God brought a deeper meaning and connection.
The Importance of Collaboration and Harmony
In creative collaborations, the goal is to work together until reaching a point where everyone involved is genuinely happy with the final result. Dissent and disagreements are seen as opportunities for further growth and improvement, rather than roadblocks. The focus is on finding common ground and creating harmony among all voices involved.
The Power of Language and Frame of Mind
The language we use to describe our creative experiences and the frame of mind we adopt can greatly impact our understanding and perception of art. Adopting a language of curiosity and openness allows for new interpretations and encourages growth and exploration in our creative endeavors.
Today the interviewer becomes the interviewee.In his nearly 40-year career as a producer, Rick Rubin has helped unlock creativity and inspire musical genius time and time again. The artists he’s worked with often say that one of Rick’s superpowers is his expert ability to listen deeply, and to help guide whoever he’s working with to find their deepest expression of truth.
This month Rick released his first book, called The Creative Act: A Way Of Being. In it he shares practical principles on how anyone can generate creative authenticity and ultimately find their voice.
On today’s episode Malcolm Gladwell talks to Rick about The Creative Act, and they explore the principles in the book that are applicable to feelings of stagnation beyond artistic life. Rick talks about why he believes creativity comes from external forces rather than internal ones, and he explains why he believes that self expression isn’t actually about you.
