A correlation between the empirical parameters describing power law of creep and the creep-rupture properties of materials is shown based on the thermodynamics of the steady-state creep or creep damage. Analytical relationships are suggested to explain this correlation, assuming that the activation energy depends on the logarithm of the stress. This approach relates the cohesive energy of material to the steady-state creep and rupture time data. As a result, the origin of the Monkman-Grant rule becomes clear. A simple formula is presented to estimate a priori the slope of the logarithm of rupture time vs the logarithm of rupture stress at a given temperature, using the melting temperature of the material.