What does it take to think like Elon Musk? The answer is- Books. From science fiction to biographies, here are a few books that play a big part in the life of this multifaceted personality.
Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down – J.E. Gordon
This book is for people who are interested in how structures are marvelously engineered. Having designed rockets and cars, it is no surprise that Elon Musk has read the book. The book fits his automotive pursuits.
Einstein: His Life and Universe – Walter Isaacson
The book is a biography of the famous physicist Albert Einstein. It is based on the accounts of his letters. It is only natural that one genius is drawn to the experiences of another genius. Read it for yourself to slip into a scientist’s state of mind.
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life – Walter Isaacson
Yet another biography by the same author, this book is based on the great Benjamin Franklin. The book has been read by Mr. Musk and has influenced his way of thinking. Being a fellow American, he sure must have taken a lot of notes from this book.
Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies – Nick Bostrom
Elon Musk has done a lot in mainstreaming Artificial Intelligence (AI). But he has also warned the world against the potential threats of overusing AI. It must have been this book that opened his mind to the possibilities and the threats that AI poses to us. The book follows the concept of superintelligence and how it has the potential to go out of control if not monitored.
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress – Robert A. Heinlein
Elon Musk and space have a deep connection. And this book must have contributed to the build-up in his earlier years. The book is a science fiction following the rebellion of a colony on the Moon against its masters on Earth. The book is a sneak peek into a young Musk’s interests and inclinations that is- space.
Zero To One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future – Peter Thiel
All of the books reflect what Elon Musk is today, this book is appropriate to sit in his collection. Reason? The title says it all. Being a tech entrepreneur, he must have read many such books. But this one gets a shoutout as it aligns with his views on ethical creation, keeping the future in mind.
Lord of the Rings Series – J.R.R. Tolkein
Now we know what a kid Elon Musk must have enjoyed reading. The Lord of the Rings series is again a science fiction/ fantasy collection of books that is set in the Middle- Earth. It is mainly told through the experiences of fictional creatures called hobbits. Suits him, right?
While there are a lot of other books that Elon Musk might have read, the above-mentioned list seems to be the most relevant to what he is today.
