10 Books Recommended by Elon Musk

Growing up by reading two books daily, Elon Musk is now the richest person in the world. With a fortune worth $197 billion, Tesla, SpaceX owner is still following his reading regimen.

We came across the list by Most Recommended Books, who compiled a list of books that Musk recommends that everybody should read. The list is actually a long one, so what we have done to make it easy for you, we have curated a list of 10 books recommended by Elon Musk so you can read the one that interests you the most.

  1. Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark
Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are in the hypes now and this book is about the future that AI has in store for us. What will the future look like? Will the superhuman intelligence be our slave or become our God?

Here’s what Elon Musk had said –

Get your copy of Life 3.0 – Amazon | Flipkart

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Elon Musk not only reads business, technology books but also likes love stories like The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. We all know the story of the book and here’s what Elon Musk has to say about The Fault in Our Stars.

Get your copy of The Fault in Our Stars – Amazon | Flipkart

3. Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom

This book deals with the mixing of the human brain with the machine brain which humans are developing nowadays. The AI, the machine language is no doubt the future, and the mix of both the human brain and the machine brain is the new superintelligence with ultimate power. Here’s what Elon Musk has to say –

Get your copy of Superintelligence – Amazon | Flipkart

4. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

This one is also one of the all time favorite books. Also a bestseller movie, this is one of the books that is a must read to know the value of power. If it falls in wrong hands, what havoc it can create? With power comes responsibility, and this book is the best example of the saying.

Here’s what Elon Musk has to say about The Lord of the Rings –

Get your copy of The Lord of the Rings – Amazon | Flipkart

5. Lying by Sam Harris

Lying by Sam Harris

With great power, comes great responsibility, and so is the fact that lying is an intrinsic human trait. Acts of adultery, financial frauds, corruption, murder, and whatnot. This book gives the reasons why not to lie! Here’s Elon Musk’s take on Lying:

Get your copy of Lying – Amazon | Flipkart

Read Also – Books by Freedom Fighters of India

6. Ignition!: An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellants by John D. Clark

Ignition!: An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellants by John D. Clark

The book tells the story of the search for the rocket propellant which could take the man into space. Quoting the book, Elon Musk said – There’s a good book on rocket stuff called Ignition by John Clark. That’s a really fun one.

Get your copy of Ignition – Amazon | Flipkart

7. Screw Business As Usual: Turning Capitalism into a Force for Good by Richard Branson

Screw Business As Usual: Turning Capitalism into a Force for Good by Richard Branson

One of the most admired business leaders, Richard Branson tells people to stop doing business only for profits but also shift their focus from pure capitalism to caring for people, communities, and the planet. Here’s what Elon Musk had said quoting Richard Branson –

Get your copy of Screw Business As UsualAmazon | Flipkart

Read Also – 7 Psychological Thriller Books That Will Give You Goosebumps

8. Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel

The book by Peter Thiel suggests the upcoming businessmen and startup entrepreneurs to bring something new rather than copying existing business models for a long term, sustainable growth in the business world.   

Here’s what Elon Musk said –

“Peter Thiel has built multiple breakthrough companies, and Zero to One shows how.” 

Get your copy of Zero to One – Amazon | Flipkart

9. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

This comprises Douglas Adams’s best comedy science fiction series. A witty, surreal experience is something you are going to experience after reading it.

Musk has said the “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” helped him as a teenager.

Get your copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Amazon | Flipkart

10. Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down by J.E. Gordon

Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down by J.E. Gordon

This book explains informally, the basic forces that hold together the complex structures of the world like suspension bridges. dams to buildings, flying aircraft and eggshells. With an encyclopedic range f references, wit and masterful command, you are surely going to love this book!

In an interview with KCRW, Elon Musk said, “It is really, really good if you want a primer on structural design.”

Get your copy of Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down – Amazon | Flipkart

(Featured Image – Steve Jurvetson from Menlo Park, USACC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)