What do billionaires read & why should you care?
If you’ve ever wondered what shapes the thinking of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, investors, and tech pioneers, the answer often lies on their bookshelves. Billionaires are famously voracious readers. For them, books are not just leisure, they are tools. They offer clarity in chaos, frameworks for decision-making, and a peek into the minds of other exceptional individuals.
Tis curated list of books recommended by billionaires gives you a roadmap to thinking smarter, leading better, and dreaming bigger.
by Peter Thiel
In Zero to One, PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel challenges conventional startup wisdom with bold, contrarian ideas. The book urges innovators to focus on creating something entirely new—going from zero to one—rather than improving existing ideas. This book is a go-to for anyone who wants to build the future and not just iterate the present.
Billionaire fans: Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg
by Ayn Rand
Rand’s epic novel combines dystopian fiction with a strong philosophical stance on individualism and capitalism. It’s been hailed by many business leaders as a rallying cry for innovation and self-reliance. Love it or loathe it, this book has sparked major shifts in entrepreneurial thinking.
Billionaire fans: Mark Cuban, Steve Jobs
by Ben Horowitz
With brutal honesty, Horowitz outlines what it really takes to run a startup when things get tough. From firing friends to handling failure, the book is a battle-tested guide to the tough calls every CEO faces. If you’re in leadership or want to be, this is a must-read survival manual.
Billionaire fans: Mark Zuckerberg, Reid Hoffman
This sweeping narrative covers the cognitive, agricultural, and scientific revolutions that shaped modern humanity. Harari’s perspective helps readers think long-term and understand societal shifts. A favourite for those shaping the future—because it teaches you where we came from.
Billionaire fans: Mark Zuckerberg, Reid Hoffman
Often hailed as the bible of value investing, this classic outlines the fundamentals of stock market success through discipline, analysis, and long-term thinking. A must for anyone wanting to build enduring wealth with clarity and caution.
Billionaire fans: Warren Buffett (calls it “by far the best book on investing ever written”)
Gladwell dives into what makes people extraordinarily successful, unearthing the hidden factors behind their rise—culture, timing, upbringing, and yes, 10,000 hours of practice. This book is a reminder that success is often a mix of talent, effort, and luck.
Billionaire fans: Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos
Why do successful companies fail? Christensen explains how disruptive innovations can blindside market leaders, and why adapting is more important than dominating. This one’s essential for entrepreneurs navigating rapid change.
Billionaire fans: Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos
by René Girard
A dense but profound book, Girard explores mimetic desire—the theory that we want things because others do. It’s had deep influence on tech philosophers and billionaires. Philosophical and complex, it’s a favourite among deep thinkers in Silicon Valley.
Billionaire fans: Peter Thiel (calls Girard’s mimetic theory “the best window into human behaviour”)
A wildly entertaining memoir of Nobel-winning physicist Richard Feynman, filled with wit, curiosity, and unconventional wisdom. It celebrates learning for the joy of it. Ideal for creative minds and curious learners who don’t want to colour inside the lines.
Billionaire fans: Elon Musk, Bill Gates
by Jon Gertner
Gertner tells the story of Bell Labs, the legendary innovation lab behind everything from transistors to lasers. The book offers a playbook on nurturing creativity. Perfect for visionaries and business leaders interested in building teams that make history.
Billionaire fans: Bill Gates, Ron Conway
From timeless classics on investing to mind-bending theories about human desire and success, which one will you pick up next?
