Billionaire Reading List

The difference between who you are today and who you become in the future comes down to two main factors: who you meet and what you read. A good practice I have found is to look at recommended reading from people who I deem as successful.

Elon Musk should need no introduction and I feel the need to add that he has a special spot in my "celebrity hall pass" fantasy league, but for anyone who may be unfamiliar here are some basics.

Musk co-created Paypal, Tesla, the Boring Company, is trying to colonize Mars where he has declared himself the Emperor via SpaceX, is the recognized king of Twitter, and patron saint of Dogecoin.

I also have a personal respect for him because after receiving negative attention for "having too many luxurious things" sold all but one of his properties and is living in a tiny house because he wants people to have a new reason to dislike him. Savage, Elon.

So let's dive in to the books that helped shape a modern rebellious genius.

1) "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy"

By Douglas Adams

It's no secret that Musk is a fan of science and science fiction especially considering his current pursuits. See: colonizing Mars where he is the self proclaimed emperor. Fun fact: it has been ruled that Musk can in fact, declare himself the Emperor of Mars because Earth law does not apply on Mars.

Synopsis: Science fiction novel where you follow the main character's adventures as the preparations for an intergalactic highway threaten the galaxy.

2) Structures Or Why Things Don't Fall Down

By J.E. Gordon

With Musk's interest in engineering both space with SpaceX as well as more terrestrial engineering like the projects of The Boring Company, the autodidact Musk found himself diving into self educating himself on all things engineering.

"Structures Or Why Things Don't Fall Down" is a primer on industrial and structural design and how things are built.

3) Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

By Walter Isaacson

Franklin, an innovative inventor, is one of Musk's personal heroes for good reason. As a fellow inventor, Musk is said to draw inspiration from the life of Franklin and other men throughout history.

4) SuperIntelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies

By Nick Bostrum

Elon Musk has been very vocal in the media about his opinion on artificial intelligence and the impact this technology will have on the future of humanity.

"SuperIntelligence" is a look into artificial intelligence and how it could impact day to day life over the next 100 years.

Of all of the books on this list, I really, really think this is a must read.

5) The Foundation Trilogy

By Isaac Asimov

This science fiction trilogy Musk has referred to as a favorite childhood reads. It is easy to see that this trilogy may have inspired Musk's early fascination with space exploration and colonization. The plot centers around the fall of the galactic empire, settling of other planets, and the cyclical lifespan of empires.

6) The Lord of the Rings

By J.R.R. Tolkien

This famous fantasy series is a childhood favorite of Elon Musk. Another nod to his fascination with the advancement of humanity, Musk has stated he is inspired by the hero's determination to save the world. Awww.

7) Zero to One: Notes On Startups, Or How To Build The Future

By Peter Thiel

This is the only book on business you will see on our list today. Musk although a billionaire, has always put advancing society above just making money. So it's not surprising to me that this book is the Lone Ranger business book that Musk would highly recommend.

The author, Peter Thiel, is a close friend of Musk's and they worked on a little company called Paypal together.

The main subject of this work is how companies affect change in the world. Even Musk's favorite business book is centered around improving the world around him.

8) Life 3.0: Being Human In The Age of Artificial Intelligence

By Max Tegmark

Another book that focuses on the subject of Artificial Intelligence and the potential impact A.I. will have on human life. This selection pays special attention to the positive aspects of Artifical Intelligence and how A.I. cab create a better future.

9) Einstein: His Life And Universe

By Walter Isaacson

Add another biography to the list, Musk loves to read about and learn from great innovators and inventors from the past. Einstein, the genius himself, has his story told with a different perspective. Isaacson's novel shows the emergence of Einstein from a worker to a revolutionary. Something Musk can for sure relate to. Additionally, Musk is said to be a huge fan of the author, Walter Isaacson, due to the inspirational way he tells the life stories of his subjects.

10) Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness

By Donald L Bartlette and James B. Steele

Howard Hughes was a wealthy, larger than life character, very much like Musk himself. Hughes is said to be an inspiration to Musk but also a reminder to show at least a teeny tiny bit of restraint.

Final Thoughts:

I believe you can learn a lot about what someone values by looking at their bookshelf. Elon Musk's top book selections all direct back to the overarching theme of his work and life: how to move the human race forward, doing the most good, and no harm.

And Elon if you ever read this and happen to visit Jacksonville, Florida; hit me up. ;)