Looking for your next great read? Why not take a cue from some of the world’s most accomplished and influential individuals? Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Barack Obama are all known for their avid reading habits and have recommended a wide variety of books over the years. From science fiction to biographies to novels that explore the complexities of the human condition, these three public figures have shared their love of reading and their favorite books with the world. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the books recommended by those three popular public figures, and hopefully help you find your next great read.
Elon Musk Reading List
Elon Musk is known for being an avid reader and has shared some of his favorite books and reading lists in interviews and on social media. Some of the books that he has recommended or mentioned include:
- “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien
- “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
- “Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down” by J.E. Gordon
- “Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies” by Nick Bostrom
- “The Foundation Trilogy” by Isaac Asimov
- “Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future” by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters
- “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
- “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” by Walter Isaacson
- “Einstein: His Life and Universe” by Walter Isaacson
- “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!” by Richard Feynman
Elon Musk’s passion for reading is well-known, and he often credits books with helping him to expand his knowledge and imagination. From science fiction to biographies to books on physics and engineering, Musk’s reading list covers a wide range of topics. His dedication to reading has undoubtedly played a role in his success, and serves as a reminder of the power of books to inspire and inform. So, if you’re looking to broaden your horizons, why not take a page from Elon Musk’s book and pick up a new read today?
Bill Gates Reading List
Bill Gates is an avid reader and often shares his book recommendations on his blog, Gates Notes. Here are a few books that he has recommended in the past:
- “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion – This novel follows a socially awkward genetics professor who embarks on a quest to find the perfect wife. Bill Gates described it as “funny and profound.”
- “The Gene: An Intimate History” by Siddhartha Mukherjee – This nonfiction book explores the history and science of genetics. Gates described it as “a fascinating exploration of the relationship between biology and human history.”
- “The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined” by Steven Pinker – This nonfiction book argues that violence has decreased over time, and explores the reasons for this trend. Gates called it “one of the most important books I’ve ever read.”
- “The Rosie Effect” by Graeme Simsion – This sequel to “The Rosie Project” follows the same characters as they navigate the challenges of marriage and parenthood. Gates called it “even better than the first one.”
- “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari – This nonfiction book explores the history of humanity, from the evolution of Homo sapiens to the present day. Gates called it “provocative and fascinating.”
Bill Gates is an avid reader and a passionate advocate for the power of books to change lives. Through his blog, Gates Notes, he has recommended a wide variety of books, from fiction to nonfiction, covering subjects ranging from technology and business to history and science. His reading recommendations are widely respected and have helped to bring attention to lesser-known authors and important social issues. By sharing his love of reading with the world, Gates has inspired countless individuals to explore new ideas and pursue lifelong learning. So, if you’re looking for your next great read, consider taking a cue from Bill Gates and checking out some of his favorite books.
Barack Obama Reading List
Barack Obama often shares his book recommendations with the public. He has shared his reading list and favorite books through his social media accounts and during his presidency, he often included books in his annual summer reading list. Here are a few books that Obama has recommended in the past:
- “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead – This novel tells the story of a slave who escapes a plantation and travels north using the underground railroad. Obama described it as “a powerful reminder of just how much work remains to be done.”
- “The Power Broker” by Robert Caro – This biography explores the life of Robert Moses, a controversial figure who shaped modern-day New York City. Obama called it “a fascinating read about the intersection of power and personality.”
- “Exit West” by Mohsin Hamid – This novel follows two refugees who flee their war-torn country and try to build a new life in a foreign land. Obama praised it as “a beautifully written novel that manages to be both hopeful and heartbreaking at the same time.”
- “The Girl with the Louding Voice” by Abi Daré – This novel tells the story of a young Nigerian girl who dreams of getting an education and becoming a teacher, despite facing poverty, abuse, and discrimination. Obama described it as “a powerful, heartwarming story about one girl’s determination to overcome adversity and realize her dreams.”
- “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson – This nonfiction book tells the story of the Great Migration, when millions of African Americans left the South and moved to the North and West. Obama called it “a beautiful and important book.”
Barack Obama’s love for reading is well-known and he has been an advocate for the power of books to inspire and inform. He has often shared his book recommendations with the public, including his annual summer reading lists during his presidency. Obama’s reading recommendations are diverse, covering a wide range of topics and genres, from memoirs and biographies to fiction and nonfiction. By sharing his favorite books with the world, Obama has encouraged a love of reading and learning in many people, and his recommendations have helped to elevate the voices of lesser-known authors and underrepresented communities. If you’re looking for your next great read, taking a look at Obama’s book recommendations is a great place to start.
