People follow advice from well-known and successful individuals for personal goals. For some, this advice brings positive life changes, while others may not notice a difference. However, in any case, listening to advice, analyzing it, and then implementing it into your life is never a bad idea.
1. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy book tells readers an incredible story set in space. Author Douglas Adams searches for answers to questions about life, death, and the meaning of digital watches in everyday life. The main characters, Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect, explore all the strange and not-so-strange questions, making this science fiction novel a permanent bestseller. So, dive into this unusual, insightful, and philosophical world of space.
2. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future is a guidebook for entrepreneurs. Author Peter Thiel offers valuable insights on startups, the importance of technological progress, and key principles for building a successful and transformative company. The book encourages entrepreneurs to think out of the box, seek secrets, and create innovative enterprises that have the potential to revolutionize industries. Zero to One deserves a spot on your bookshelf of literary treasures. If you want to check out its main ideas in 10 minutes, read our summary.
3. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
Einstein: His Life and Universe is a biography of Albert Einstein. The book not only covers the dry facts of the scientist’s life but also explores his personality, examining his actions and behavior. Reading biographies allows us to experience the mistakes of others and avoid repeating them in our own lives. The author recommends readers maintain a childlike curiosity throughout life and continue living it to the fullest, no matter what.
4. Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Foundation is a masterpiece of science fiction. The story follows psychohistorian Hari Seldon. During the Galactic Empire’s decline, he attempts to shorten the period of collapse by creating the Foundation, a repository of humanity's knowledge. Author Isaac Asimov skillfully shows how pursuing wealth and power can become an obstacle to survival. Read the book to find out if humanity can provide hope for future generations to live happy lives.
5. Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom
Superintelligence book explores the potential development scenarios of superintelligence and seeks to answer whether the superintelligence we create could destroy us. Nick Bostrom didn’t write a science fiction novel; he made a guide that teaches facts and analysis. His methodical and structured analysis proposes the theory that some things programmed by us could lead to the destruction of humanity. To find the answer to this and other questions, you can read the book yourself.
6. Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark
Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence is a book that covers science fiction, cosmology, non-profit organizations, and potential political regimes in the long-term future of humanity. The author explores the topic of artificial intelligence and its vast global impact. The book emphasizes the importance of developing "friendly" AI that protects and assists human efforts rather than becoming a threat to humanity. If you are interested in this subject, the Life 3.0 book is a great choice for gaining new insights and exploring AI from different perspectives.
7. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The epic fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings stands out from the previous examples of Elon Musk's favorite books. This masterpiece of fantasy literature delves into themes of courage, sacrifice, and friendship, showcasing the battle between good and evil. A world inhabited by various races, such as humans, elves, dwarves, hobbits, and sinister creatures of darkness, will stir your imagination. So, what are you waiting for? Who will you be in this world?
8. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life is a biography of Benjamin Franklin, a man who fought for U.S. independence and democracy. Author Walter Isaacson, a world-renowned biographer and writer, masterfully crafted a memoir that will allow you to get closer to the famous 18th-century politician. By reading this book, you will understand how Franklin combined liberalism, conservatism, and populism in politics. You'll discover a new perspective on the political landscape of that era.
9. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein
Moving on to space topic, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a science fiction novel about a colony of prisoners and their descendants on the Moon, watched over by a supercomputer named Mike. The author depicts different worlds where people live and ultimately the struggle of those tired of working for little and living just for labor. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is an example of what poor governance can lead to and what people are capable of when they strive to change their lives.
10. Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down by J.E. Gordon
Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down is one of Elon Musk’s favorite books. J.E. Gordon explains the fundamentals that hold the world together, from why suspension bridges don’t collapse under traffic to the design of skyscrapers. In other words, Structures explores the forces that keep ordinary and necessary things standing in the world.
By exploring these ten books, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Musk as a person and see the world through his eyes. Books not only provide information but teach people how to live through the examples of others. So, choose the one that piques your interest and dive into a new literary world!
