When it comes to the reading habits of the world’s wealthiest individuals, you might expect a list filled with business strategy guides and economic treatises.
However, the reality is far more intriguing. Many billionaires have a penchant for books that delve into diverse topics, from philosophy and history to science fiction and even poetry.
These reads offer not just entertainment but also profound insights into human nature, creativity, and the complexities of the world. Let’s take a closer look at some of these unexpected favorites.
1. “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
First penned in 5th-century China, Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” isn’t just for generals. Elon Musk reportedly keeps a copy nearby for its lessons on outmaneuvering rivals. The book’s core isn’t violence—it’s about psychological warfare and adaptability. Sun Tzu argues that victory hinges on knowing your enemy better than they know themselves, a principle Tesla and SpaceX apply to disrupting industries.
For billionaires, the text’s emphasis on strategic advantage resonates deeply. Whether launching a rocket or a startup, success often depends on anticipating moves before they’re made. As Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn’s co-founder, once noted: “War is politics by other means. Business is war by other means.”
2. “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius
A Roman emperor’s journal might seem an odd business guide, but Stoic philosophy is a staple among the elite. Mark Zuckerberg’s 2016 reading list included “Meditations” for its teachings on emotional discipline. Aurelius writes, “You have power over your mind—not outside events,” a mantra for navigating crises.
Warren Buffett swears by the book’s lessons on building an inner fortress against chaos. For leaders juggling boardrooms and gyre, Aurelius’s advice to focus on what you can control offers clarity in a world of uncertainty.
3. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
Why would a sci-fi comedy about interstellar hitchhiking appeal to serious minds? Because even billionaires need perspective. Bill Gates cites Adams’s “Don’t panic” mantra as a reminder to stay calm amid chaos. The book’s absurdist humor highlights how obsessing over problems often exacerbates them.
For Jeff Bezos, the lesson is about embracing the unknown. Amazon’s early days were a “hitchhiker’s journey” of uncertainty, but like Adams’s protagonist, he learned to laugh while navigating the galaxy of e-commerce.
4. “Educated” by Tara Westover
A memoir about escaping a survivalist upbringing might seem out of place on a billionaire’s shelf, but “Educated” challenges assumptions about knowledge and freedom. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, praises Westover’s tale of self-discovery through learning.
For elites who value meritocracy, the book underscores education’s transformative power. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about resources—it’s about the courage to question everything, even your origins.
5. “The Power Broker” by Robert Caro
At over 1,000 pages, Robert Moses’s story of urban development in New York is a deep dive into power dynamics. Sam Altman, former OpenAI CEO, calls it a “blueprint for influence.” The book dissects how Moses, a master manipulator, reshaped cities without holding office.
Billionaires devour it for its lessons on exercising power subtly. Whether lobbying regulators or scaling startups, understanding leverage—like Moses’s knack for backroom deals—is critical.
6. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz
This Compact Guide to Personal Freedom distills Toltec wisdom into four rules: be impeccable with your word, don’t take things personally, don’t assume, and do your best. Oprah Winfrey and Tony Robbins tout it as a tool for mental clarity.
For entrepreneurs, the book’s focus on breaking free from limitations mirrors the grind of building empires. It’s less about business strategy and more about maintaining sanity while chasing impossible goals.
7. “Range” by David Epstein
David Epstein argues that specialization is overrated. Instead, generalists thrive in uncertain fields like AI and biotech. Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, champions “Range” for its case studies of polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci.
In an era of rapid change, billionaires value Epstein’s emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking. Whether pivoting a company or solving climate change, diverse knowledge sparks innovation—something Jack Ma and Richard Branson embody.
