Creative Quest by Questlove
Before I even get into the meat of this book, I want to recommend listening to the audiobook. If you do, you’ll be treated not only to hearing Questlove’s words from his own mouth but also original music by him and members of the Roots, plus guest appearances by comedy legends Fred Armisen and Robin Thede, and so many other greats from various corners of the creative world. Listening to the audiobook is a whole experience.
A multihyphenate member of the Roots, Questlove is one of those rare individuals who not only possesses great curiosity but also puts that curiosity to work. He approaches new-to-him subject matter, artistry, and culture with enthusiasm rather than fear. This is why he makes for such a great teacher of creative philosophies, the real work that must accompany a passion, if you want to make something of it, and the challenges we all face in our pursuit of achievement and evolution.
If you’re thinking, Well of course he can boldly traverse alien landscapes with all of his numerous celebrity and expert connections, I get that. The thing is, this book works to share the insights he’s learned through access and privilege the likes of which most of us will never see. Also, he wasn’t born with that access but had to be scrappy and resourceful to get where he is today. Questlove’s generosity and heart suffuse this book as much as the wisdom he’s gleaned from a lifetime of asking all of the questions and trying to develop diverse expertise himself.
If you’re pursuing any type of creative work, I urge you to pick up this book. You’ll want to revisit it every time you question yourself and your abilities or feel uninspired.