top 10 books recommended by elon musk

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61 Books Elon Musk Thinks You Should Read The billionaire entrepreneur is also a prolific reader.

By Jessica Thomas • Feb 18, 2021

Although his days are presumably filled with Tesla, SpaceX, cyber pigs and lots and lots of tweeting, it seems Elon Musk also finds the time to make reading part of his routine. The billionaire businessman is known for sharing (and oversharing) all his recommendations and thoughts on Twitter, so it's no surprise that books are part of that.

Most Recommended Books compiled a list of all the books Musk has commented on in the past several years, and you can see all 61 here . But if you're short on time today, click through to see 11 of the most interesting picks from his list.

Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

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

What Musk says: "This is a compelling guide to the challenges and choices in our quest for a great future of life, intelligence and consciousness—on Earth and beyond."

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

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

What Musk says: "Peter Thiel has built multiple breakthrough companies, and Zero to One shows how."

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom

What Musk says:

Worth reading Superintelligence by Bostrom. We need to be super careful with AI. Potentially more dangerous than nukes. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 3, 2014

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

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

@richardbranson Liked "Screw Business as Usual" a lot. This approach should be taken to heart by all, as it really is the smart move. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 29, 2011

The Wealth of Nations and Das Kapital

The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith and Das Kapital by Karl Marx

Read Das Kapital when I was 14, incl cross-checking English translation of original German. Adam Smith FTW obv. Ironically, future automation will naturally lead to greater equality of consumption. Monopolies are true enemy of people. Competing to serve is good. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 16, 2018

Consider Phlebas

Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks

Reading The Culture series by Banks. Compelling picture of a grand, semi-utopian galactic future. Hopefully not too optimistic about AI. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 26, 2014

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

@johngreen @hankgreen You had me at Sheen or Gaddafi. Must admit to liking "The Fault in Our Stars" too. Sad, romantic and beautifully named — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 6, 2015

The Lord of the Rings

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

Looking forward to it. I know it's cliche, but LotR is my favorite book ever :) Want to see the set and take my kids on tour of greater NZ. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 12, 2017

Lying by Sam Harris

Read "Lying", the new book by my friend Sam Harris. Excellent cover art and lots of good reasons not to lie! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 21, 2011

Merchants of Doubt

Merchants of Doubt by Naomi Oreskes

Worth reading Merchants of Doubt. Same who tried to deny smoking deaths r denying climate change http://t.co/C6H8HrzS8X — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 25, 2013

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Books Recommended By

Zero to One

Peter thiel, recommended by.

Nassim Taleb: "When a risk taker writes a book, read it. In the case of Peter Thiel, read it twice. Or, to be safe, three times. This is a classic.”

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

Mark Zuckerberg: “ This book delivers completely new and refreshing ideas on how to create value in the world.”

Marc Andreessen: "Zero to One is the first book any working or aspiring entrepreneur must read—period."

Patrick O'Shaughnessy: "So much of investing is herd behavior, this will have you thinking different than the crowd."

Ben Horowitz: "Zero To One is a great book. I learned a lot reading it."

One of Max Levchin's answers to 'What's your favourite business book you'd advise to young entrepreneurs?'

One of the books Keith Rabois recommends for entrepreneurs.

One of five business books Chris Dixon recommended on Twitter.

This book was on Sam Altman's bookshelf.

Frank Herbert

Elon Musk: "Dune Series by Herbert [is] brilliant. He advocates placing limits on machine intelligence."

Tim Ferriss: "Dune presents perhaps the most incredibly detailed and oddly believable fictional landscape I’ve ever encountered."

Jeff Bezos: "I’m a big science-fiction fan. I love Dune."

Cameron Winklevoss: "I have a couple [favorite books], to name a few, Isaac Asimov's Foundation, Frank Herbert's Dune, Daniel Mason's The Piano Tuner"

Seth Godin: "If you read 'Dune', and you don’t read it for the plot but you read it for understanding geopolitics, suddenly something clicks in your head."

One of Sahil Lavingia's most recommended books.

Isaac Asimov

Elon Musk: "The Foundation series [is] fundamental to [the] creation of SpaceX."

Naval Ravikant: "I loved reading it as a kid"

Austen Allred recommended 'Foundation' on Twitter.

Atlas Shrugged

Brian Armstrong: "Celebrate the creators in the world (even when they struggle). They may be more valuable than we think."

Blake Scholl: "Far and away my favorite book is Atlas Shrugged"

Elon Musk: "Very appealing if you're a sophomore in college. A counterpoint to communism and useful as such, but should be tempered with kindness."

Peter Thiel: "When I first read [Atlas Shrugged] in the 80s, it felt pretty crazy, and in the last decade, in many ways it's felt much more correct"

Travis Kalanick mentioned 'Atlas Shrugged' in a Washington Post interview.

Fred Wilson recommends 'Atlas Shrugged' for entrepreneurs.

The Lord of the Rings

J.r.r. tolkien.

Elon Musk: "I know it's cliche, but Lord of the Rings is my favorite book ever."

Naval Ravikant: "Loved Lord of The Rings and other fiction when [I was] younger."

As a teenager, Peter Thiel's favorite book was 'The Lord of the Rings,' which he read again and again.

Paul Graham's answer to "Any book recommendations for young adults?"

Reid Hoffman: "The book that I’ve most often read is Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

Because it’s so important to show this journey of these hobbits, these little people in a hero’s journey about how you can change the world within a context where Tolkien is fairly sophisticated around the questions of the corruption of power, the intersection of races, and the needs for us all to work together."

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

Douglas adams.

Elon Musk: "I love Douglas Adams! My favorite spaceship ever is in Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy."

Naval Ravikant: "Classic. I love that book."

Tim Ferriss: "If 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' and 'Star Wars' had a love-child, it would read something like this."

One of Richard Branson's top books to read in a lifetime.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin franklin.

Paul Graham: "It's a great book, probably in my all time top 100."

Elon Musk: "[Benjamin Franklin] was an entrepreneur. He started from nothing. Basically just a runaway kid."

Charlie Munger recommended 'The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin' in his book Poor Charlie's Almanack.

Included on Jamie Dimon's list of favorite books he sent to JP Morgan summer interns in 2010.

Deep Learning

Ian goodfellow.

Nassim Taleb: "Very clear exposition, does the math without getting lost in the details.

Although many of the concepts of the introductory first 100 pages can be found elsewhere, they are presented with remarkable cut-to-the-chase clarity."

Elon Musk: “Written by three experts in the field, Deep Learning is the only comprehensive book on the subject.”

Satya Nadella was so significantly impacted by Deep Learning that he hired co-author Yoshua Bengio to help shape the future of Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence approach as a machine learning advisor.

Vinod Khosla: "For a slightly more technical read [on Machine Learning], I’d suggest Ian Goodfellows Deep Learning."

Elon Musk: "Excellent cover art and lots of good reasons not to lie!"

Vinod Khosla: "One of my favorite one hour reads about intellectual honesty. I wish more people were this honest!"

Tim Ferriss: "It’s a great book."

Brian Armstrong: "How life with radical honesty."

Stranger In A Strange Land

Robert heinlein.

Elon Musk: "I like 'Stranger in a Strange Land' , although it kind of goes off the rails at the end."

Tim Ferriss: "Incredible."

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

Walter isaacson.

Elon Musk: "A great biography of Ben Franklin by Isaacson. Highly recommended."

Tim Ferriss: "Ben is one of the historical figures that I’ve been most obsessed with and I’ve recommended 'Benjamin Franklin: An American Life' to thousands and thousands of people."

The Player of Games

Jeff Bezos: "Iain M. Banks’ amazing Culture series [is] a huge personal favorite"

Elon Musk: "Compelling picture of a grand, semi-utopian galactic future. Hopefully not too optimistic about AI."

Mark Zuckerberg: "It's a science fiction book about an advanced civilization with AI and a vibrant culture."

The Wealth of Nations

Naval Ravikant's answer to "Any good book about economy for a beginner?"

Elon Musk: "Adam Smith FTW obv. Ironically, future automation will naturally lead to greater equality of consumption. Monopolies are true enemy of people. Competing to serve is good."

Bill Gurley: "Smith identified that when men and women specialize their skills, and also importantly 'trade' with one another, the end result is a rise in productivity and standard of living for everyone."

Consider Phlebas

Iain m. banks.

Max Levchin shared 'Consider Phlebas' on his LinkedIn page.

If The Universe Is Teeming With Aliens...Where Is Everybody?

Stephen webb.

Elon Musk: "Great book. Read it when it came out."

Patrick Collison included this book on his list of recommended books .

The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress

One of Elon Musk's favorite books about space.

Paul Graham: "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress made me want to work on AI, which led to Lisp."

Superintelligence

Nick bostrom.

Sam Altman: "Nick Bostrom's excellent book "Superintelligence" is the best thing I’ve seen on this topic. It is well worth a read."

Elon Musk: "Worth reading Superintelligence by Bostrom. We need to be super careful with AI. Potentially more dangerous than nukes."

Elon Musk: "Quite interesting."

Daniel Suarez

Alexis Ohanian: "Got a ton of these for the Initialized office."

Elon Musk: "Daemon is a great read."

The Story of Civilization: The Age of Napoleon

Will & ariel durant.

Larry Ellison's favorite history book, which he has read several times.

Elon Musk: "The Age of Napoleon by Will & Ariel Durant is an amazing book"

Max Tegmark

Elon Musk: “This is a compelling guide to the challenges and choices in our quest for a great future of life, intelligence and consciousness—on Earth and beyond.”

Keith Rabois: "Best introduction to AI, accessible to sophisticated. Enjoyable to read."

A Woman Makes a Plan

Elon Musk: "My Mom wrote a book ❤️"

Karlie Kloss: "I have long admired Maye Musk as both a model and a woman.

She has inspired so many throughout her career, and her invaluable wisdom and insight come to life on each page of this book."

Use of Weapons

Look to Windward

Elon Musk: "Reading Look to Windward by Banks. He is an amazing writer. Pantheon level."

The Hydrogen Sonata

State of the Art

Surface Detail

Elon Musk: "[I recommend] all of [Banks' books]. Especially Surface Detail."

Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down

J. e. gordon.

Elon Musk: "[This book] is really, really good if you want a primer on structural design."

Twelve Against The Gods

William bolitho.

Elon Musk: "It's really quite good."

John Drury Clark

Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness

Donald bartlett.

Elon Musk: "Maybe a cautionary tale. He's sort of an interesting fellow"

Merchants of Doubt

Naomi oreskes.

Elon Musk: "Worth reading Merchants of Doubt. Same who tried to deny smoking deaths r denying climate change"

The Story of Civilization: Our Oriental Heritage

Will durant.

Elon Musk: "Read The Story of Civilization by Will & Ariel Durant"

The Story of Civilization: The Life of Greece

The Story of Civilization: The Age of Louis XIV

The Story of Civilization: The Reformation

The Story of Civilization: The Age of Voltaire

The Story of Civilization: Rousseau and Revolution

The Story of Civilization: The Age of Reason Begins

The Story of Civilization: Caesar and Christ

The Story of Civilization: The Renaissance

The Story of Civilization: The Age of Faith

Screw Business As Usual

Richard branson.

Elon Musk: "Liked 'Screw Business as Usual' a lot. This approach should be taken to heart by all, as it really is the smart move."

The Big Picture

Sean carroll.

Elon Musk: "Highly recommend anything by Sean Carroll"

Acts of Love

Talulah riley.

Elon Musk: "Congrats to Talulah Riley on her novel, 'Acts of Love'! All characters – even those based on real people – are entirely fictional"

Our Final Invention

James barrat.

Elon Musk: "Worth reading."

Waiting for Godot

Samuel beckett.

Elon Musk: "Have recently come to appreciate the awesome, absurdist humor of Waiting for Godot. We so often wait, without knowing why, when or where."

The Machine Stops

E. m. forster.

Elon Musk: "Worth reading The Machine Stops, an old story by E. M. Forster"

Modern Engineering for Design of Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines

Dieter k huzel.

Human Compatible

Stuart russell.

Elon Musk: "Worth reading 'Human Compatible' by Stuart Russell (he’s great!) about future AI risks & solutions"

The Fault in Our Stars

Elon Musk: "Must admit to liking 'The Fault in Our Stars'. Sad, romantic and beautifully named"

Prelude to Foundation

Foundation and Empire

Catherine the Great

Robert k. massie.

Elon Musk: "Am reading Robert Massie's book on Catherine the Great. Yeah, I know what you're probably thinking...did she really f*** a horse?"

Second Foundation

Chapterhouse: Dune

Heretics of Dune

Forward the Foundation

God Emperor of Dune

Foundation's Edge

Dune Messiah

Foundation and Earth

Children of Dune

The Storm of Steel

Ernst junger.

Elon Musk: "Intense. Great book."

The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

Steven novella.

Elon Musk: "The Skeptics Guide to the Universe is good"

Most Recommended Investing Books

Most Recommended Technology Books

Recently Recommended Books

Most Recommended Biographies

Book Genres

20 Books Recommended by Elon Musk – Complete Guide

Embark on a journey of discovery and innovation with our comprehensive guide to 20 books recommended by the visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk. These carefully curated selections offer insights into the mind of the man behind Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and more, revealing the ideas that have shaped his groundbreaking work and inspired him as he strives to change the world.

Musk is a prolific inventor and CEO with a forward-thinking mindset. His literary influences are as diverse as the solutions he creates, ranging from science fiction to biographies and economics. This guide provides a unique insight into the books that have shaped his exceptional mind.

Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

In “Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence ,” the famous Swedish-American physicist Max Tegmark explores the impact of AI on our future, addressing critical questions about automation, career advice for the next generation, and the robustness of AI systems. 

The book delves into ethical concerns such as lethal autonomous weapons and the possibility of machines outsmarting humans. Ultimately, Life 3.0 invites you to join the crucial conversation about the kind of future we want, engaging with diverse perspectives such as superintelligence, consciousness, and the boundaries of life in the cosmos.

The Lord of the Rings

Hobbit Frodo inherits the One Ring from Bilbo Baggins and embarks on a dangerous quest to destroy it in the Cracks of Doom. Joined by the Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo faces the growing power of the Dark Lord Sauron, who seeks to regain the Ring and dominate Middle-earth. 

J.R.R. Tolkien’s timeless tale, “ The Lord of the Rings ,” weaves an epic adventure that explores themes of friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil.

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies

In this thought-provoking book “ Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies ,” you’ll explore the concept of superintelligence and its potential impact on humanity. You will delve into topics such as AI development, mind crime, and Malthusian economics while contemplating the challenges of a controlled intelligence explosion. 

Through lucid writing, author Nick Bostrom takes you on a fascinating journey to understand the future of intelligent life. He redefines the essential task of our time – ensuring the survival and prosperity of our species in the face of machine superintelligence.

Atlas Shrugged

Delve into the mystery of “ Atlas Shrugged ,” where industrialist Hank Rearden and railroad executive Dagny Taggart strive to save a crumbling nation while uncovering enigmatic secrets. As you explore the lives of these extraordinary characters, you’ll unravel the motives behind their actions and answer the burning question: Who is John Galt? 

This modern classic showcases Ayn Rand’s groundbreaking philosophy, objectivism, celebrating human greatness through the lens of one of the twentieth century’s most influential artists. 

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

Robert Heinlein’s masterpiece “ The Is a Harsh Mistress ” takes you on a wild ride in a lunar revolution. This classic novel explores personal responsibility, political freedom, humanity, technology, and free will, resonating with readers today just as much as it did upon its initial publication.

Heinlein’s intoxicating story gives us a glimpse into the future and showcases the timeless relevance of his ideas. 

​Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

In “ Zero to One ,” Peter Thiel encourages you to build companies that create new things and challenge the status quo. The book guides entrepreneurs, founders, and investors to discover uncharted frontiers and unique opportunities for progress. 

By mastering the art of thinking for yourself, you can go from 0 to 1 and create groundbreaking innovations in any industry, escaping competition by building a truly unique business. 

Ignition!: An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellants

In “ Ignition! ,” John Drury Clark takes you on a fascinating journey through the hazardous search for reliable rocket propellant. This engaging memoir provides an insider’s perspective on the development of explosive fuels that ultimately propelled humanity into space. 

As a classic work in the history of science and one of the recommended books by Elon Musk, Ignition offers a thrilling account of scientific innovation and determination against all odds.

Our Final Invention

In “ Our Final Invention ,” James Barrat discusses the potential benefits and risks of human-level or super-human artificial intelligence (AI). With AI becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the book explores the possibility of AI surpassing human intelligence within a decade. 

As corporations and government agencies invest heavily in AI development, questions arise about coexisting with beings possessing far superior intelligence. Through profiles of visionaries and groundbreaking AI systems, you’ll delve into the challenges and concerns surrounding the relentless pursuit of advanced AI.

Twelve Against the Gods: The Story of Adventure

William Bolitho introduces you to the lives of twelve iconic adventurers, including Alexander the Great, Casanova, and Napoleon, in the “ Twelve Against The Gods .” These figures challenged the gods on remarkable quests for adventure and glory. 

Bolitho masterfully captures their struggles and successes, demonstrating how they defied convention and conformity. As you explore these timeless tales of perseverance, bravery, and spirited determination, you’ll find inspiration in the innate love of adventure within us all.

Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down

J.E. Gordon’s “ Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down ” is a captivating read that sheds light on the inexplicable realm of engineering. Have you ever pondered why bridges don’t collapse or how dams withstand intense water pressure? With wit and a deep understanding of the subject, 

Gordon reveals the fundamental forces that hold together our world. 

Whether you’re an architect, engineer, or simply curious, Structures offers valuable insights into the foundations of our everyday lives.

The renowned author and neuroscientist Sam Harris presents a compelling case for embracing honesty in every aspect of our lives in “ Lying .” Harris contends that by simply telling the truth, even when others resort to “white” lies, you can profoundly simplify your life and contribute to a better society. 

By focusing on these seemingly harmless lies, often told with good intentions, Harris challenges you to reconsider the true impact of deception and embrace the power of honesty.

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

“ Benjamin Franklin: An American Life ” invites you on a captivating journey through the life of one of America’s most influential founding fathers. Walter Isaacson’s vivid narrative follows Franklin from his early days in Boston to his remarkable achievements in Philadelphia, London, and Paris. 

This masterpiece will enlighten you on how Franklin influenced the American national identity and why his legacy continues to resonate in the 21st century.

​Screw Business as Usual by Richard Branson

The renowned entrepreneur Richard Branson challenges you to rethink capitalism and shift your focus from solely pursuing profit to caring for people, communities, and the planet in his famous book “​ Screw Business as Usual .”

Branson highlights the flaws of “business as usual,” emphasizing the need for a more sustainable and inclusive approach. He passionately believes that businesses can be forces for good, and by adopting this mindset, you can create positive change in the world. This book demonstrates how businesses and individuals can embrace a new way of working, solve pressing issues, and take pride in their contributions to a better future.

Imagine a world where a book could keep you up all night, heart racing and mind spinning. That world exists, and Daniel Suarez’s “ Daemon ” is the answer!

When the obituary of a renowned computer game architect surfaces, a dormant daemon awakens. Chaos ensues as this virtual killer sets in motion a series of events that threaten to upend society. As Detective Peter Sebeck races to stop the daemon, he uncovers a larger conspiracy with far-reaching consequences.

Suarez’s cutting-edge thriller takes you on an electrifying journey through the shadowy corners of modern technology, exploring the convergence of online gaming, botnets, viral ecosystems, and corporate power that is silently reshaping our world. 

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

“ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy ” is a British science fiction classic that kick-started a wildly popular comic novel series by Douglas Adams. In this book, you’ll embark on an exciting journey through the cosmos with Arthur Dent, an ordinary Englishman thrust into an extraordinary adventure. 

When Earth is destroyed to make way for a new hyperspace express route, Arthur and his alien best friend navigate a universe filled with randomness, absurdity, and a colorful cast of unreliable characters. Armed with a towel, a language-savvy fish, and the indispensable guidebook, you’ll experience a hilarious romp through space that defies logic, plays with time and physics, and ultimately uncovers the answer to life, the universe, and everything. 

The Foundation Trilogy

Dive into Isaac Asimov’s influential “ Foundation ” series, where psychohistorian Hari Seldon predicts the collapse of the Galactic Empire and strives to preserve civilization. 

In Foundation, you’ll journey to a remote planet where the beacon of hope for humanity’s future is established. You’ll also immerse in Asimov’s unique blend of breathtaking action, daring ideas, and extensive worldbuilding in this timeless tale that explores the best and worst of human nature.

​The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself

The acclaimed physicist Sean Carroll takes you on a captivating journey through the profound questions of our existence, from the quantum to the cosmic level on “ The Big Picture .” 

As you explore the connections between science and human purpose, you’ll discover how groundbreaking discoveries have transformed our understanding of the world and our place in it. This book promises to be a timeless masterpiece, standing proudly alongside the works of Stephen Hawking, Carl Sagan, Daniel Dennett, and E. O. Wilson.

​The Wealth of Nations

Explore the foundations of classical economics during the dawn of the Industrial Revolution with Adam Smith’s masterpiece, “ The Wealth of Nations .” This influential book unveils how countries amass wealth, arguing for meritocracy and individual self-interest in a free market. Discover what made it a must-read for economists to this day! 

​Das Kapital

“ Das Kapital ” is a book series by Karl Marx that delivers a powerful critique of capitalism and its impact on society. You’ll uncover the nature, development, and future of the capitalist system, focusing on topics like commodities, wages, and worker exploitation. 

This book is a must-read for understanding modern economics , sociology, and history, as you’ll discover Marx’s predictions about the instability of capitalism and its eventual replacement by a system with common ownership. 

Embark on an epic journey through the harsh desert planet of Arrakis in Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction book series, “ Dune .” This book follows Paul Atreides, the heir to a noble family, as he navigates betrayal, seeks vengeance, and evolves into the enigmatic Muad’Dib. 

With its intriguing blend of adventure, mysticism, environmentalism, and politics, Dune has won prestigious awards and remains a grand masterpiece in science fiction.

Final Thoughts

In this complete guide to 20 books recommended by Elon Musk, you’ve discovered a diverse collection of thought-provoking reads that have inspired one of the world’s most innovative minds. From science fiction to economics, these books offer valuable insights into technology, human nature, and the future of our species. Immersing these literary journeys will provide a deeper understanding of the ideas and principles driving today’s visionaries.

How many books does Elon Musk read a day?

Elon Musk used to read two books a day.

How does Elon Musk remember books?

Elon Musk uses the “Richard Feynman” technique to remember books. Essentially, he understands the concepts instead of focusing solely on memorization.

How did Elon Musk become very smart?

Elon Musk became very smart through a combination of factors, such as innate curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

What are Elon Musk’s technical skills?

Elon Musk’s areas of expertise are as broad as they are impressive. Mastering engineering, physics, construction, and tunneling, his mastery extends to rocket science, AI, energy, and solar power.

What is the first principle of Elon Musk?

Musk adopted a first principles approach to simplify the situation to its fundamentals, bypass the astronomical prices of the aerospace industry, and devise a more effective solution.

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Elon Musk Book Recommendations (101 Books)

Elon Musk is an engineer and technology entrepreneur. Wikipedia

Books Recommended by Elon Musk

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• Elon Musk Recommended Books

Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Max tegmark.

Source : "A compelling guide to the challenges and choices in our quest for a great future of life, intelligence and consciousness—on Earth and beyond." - Elon Musk

Carl von Clausewitz

Source : "There should be a chapter saying 'if you have a decisive technology advantage, you can actually win with minimal casualties.'" - Elon Musk

Superintelligence

Paths, dangers, strategies, nick bostrom.

Source : "Worth reading [this book]. We need to be super careful with AI. Potentially more dangerous than nukes." - Elon Musk

Dune ( 6 books)

Frank herbert.

Source : "Brilliant. [The author] advocates placing limits on machine intelligence." - Elon Musk

Merchants of Doubt

How a handful of scientists obscured the truth on issues from tobacco smoke to global warming, naomi oreskes.

Source : "Worth reading [this book]. Same who tried to deny smoking deaths are denying climate change." - Elon Musk

Acts of Love

Talulah riley.

Source : "All characters – even those based on real people – are entirely fictional..." - Elon Musk

The Capitalist Manifesto

Johan norberg.

Source : "An excellent explanation of why capitalism is not just successful, but morally right, especially chapter 4." - Elon Musk

Game of Thrones ( 5 books)

George r. r. martin.

Source : "Best books in recent years imo are Iain Banks & George Martin." - Elon Musk

Deep Learning

Ian goodfellow.

Source : "Written by three experts in the field, [this book] is the only comprehensive book on the subject." - Elon Musk

Screw Business As Usual

Turning capitalism into a force for good, richard branson.

Source : "This approach should be taken to heart by all, as it really is the smart move." - Elon Musk

Atlas Shrugged

Source : "A counterpoint to communism and useful as such, but should be tempered with kindness." - Elon Musk

Culture ( 10 books)

Iain m. banks.

Source : "Compelling picture of a grand, semi-utopian galactic future. Hopefully not too optimistic about AI." - Elon Musk

Waiting for Godot

A tragicomedy in two acts, samuel beckett.

Source : "Have recently come to appreciate the awesome, absurdist humor of [this book]." - Elon Musk

Explore/Create

My life in pursuit of new frontiers, hidden worlds, and the creative spark, richard garriott.

Source : "A chronicle of wonder, and the many wondrous things the future may hold." - Elon Musk

The Selfish Gene

Richard dawkins.

Source : "Most people don't realize that the origin of the word 'meme' is [this book]." - Elon Musk

Foundation ( 7 books)

Isaac asimov.

Source : "[This series is] fundamental to [the] creation of SpaceX." - Elon Musk

Catherine the Great

Portrait of a woman, robert k. massie.

Source : "I know what you're probably thinking ... did she really f* a horse?" - Elon Musk

Or Why Things Don't Fall Down

J. e. gordon.

Source : "Really, really good if you want a primer on structural design." - Elon Musk

The Fault in Our Stars

Source : "Must admit to liking [this book]. Sad, romantic and beautifully named." - Elon Musk

The Lord of the Rings ( 4 books)

J. r. r. tolkien.

Source : "I know it's cliche, but [this] is my favorite book ever." - Elon Musk

What are some of Elon Musk book recommendations for those interested in entrepreneurship and innovation?

Elon Musk book recommendations notably include a selection of works that reflect his diverse interests, especially focusing on entrepreneurship, technology, and the future. Books Elon Musk recommends often provide insight into the thinking and strategies of successful business leaders. For example, "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel, a business book about startups and innovation, is a title that Elon Musk has publicly praised.

Can you reading tell me more about Elon Musk's reading habits and how they influence his work?

Elon Musk's reading spans a wide range of topics, but he especially gravitates towards materials that challenge and expand his understanding of the world. Elon Musk reading habits have influenced his approach to business and innovation, often citing his love of science fiction as inspiration for his ventures into space travel and electric vehicles. This entrepreneur filmmaker mindset directly ties into how he applies the story and lessons learned from books Elon Musk to his ambitious projects.

I heard that artificial intelligence is a significant interest of Elon Musk. What book on this topic does he recommend?

Indeed, artificial intelligence is a key subject for Elon Musk. He often raises awareness about the potential and risks associated with AI developments. A book he recommends on this topic is "Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" by Max Tegmark, which explores ethical and existential questions that AI poses to humanity. This book encourages readers to learn about the trajectory of AI, not only in Silicon Valley but also its implications for places like India, where technology is rapidly evolving.

Where can I find a comprehensive reading list that includes all books recommended by Elon Musk?

You can buy a curated reading list with all the book recommendations by Elon Musk on our website, Most Recommended Books. This list contains titles that cover a variety of themes and subjects from across the world, reflecting Elon Musk's broad and eclectic reading palette.

What are some of Elon Musk’s favorite books that have inspired his vision and career?

Elon Musk's favorite books include a blend of science fiction and real-world business insights. He credits "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams as a work of fiction that has had a significant impact on his perspective on life's possibilities. Additionally, he recommends "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life" by Walter Isaacson, which provides key ideas into the life of the influential entrepreneur and inventor.

How reliable are the book ratings on Most Recommended Books and are they reflective of Elon Musk's opinions?

The book ratings on Most Recommended Books are an avg rating aggregated from reader reviews and are intended to give you a sense of how each title has been received by readers. While we share books recommended by Elon Musk, the avg ratings themselves may not directly reflect Musk’s own views on each book, but they offer a valuable indication of the overall reader's reception.

Does Most Recommended Books offer resources like blinkist that summarize the key ideas from Elon Musk's book recommendations?

While Most Recommended Books doesn’t offer direct services like Blinkist, we provide links to books where you can sometimes find summaries or key ideas. Our goal is to help you find the full versions of books Elon Musk recommends so you can dive deep into the reading material that has shaped his vision and could potentially inspire your own life and career.

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10 books recommended by Elon Musk that changed his life and will definitely change yours too

By Umaima Saeed

Elon Musk is the world's richest man today. But his journey to becoming one of the most influential entrepreneurs of this generation was not easy. Both personal and professional challenges marked Musk's early life. His parents divorced when he was young, which significantly impacted his upbringing.

Growing up in South Africa , Musk faced bullying in school due to his introverted nature, which included an incident where he was hospitalized after being thrown downstairs by a group of boys, according to The Guardian . In his late teens, Musk left South Africa for Canada , attending Queen's University in Kingston , Ontario. He later moved to the University of Pennsylvania but faced financial hardship. Musk and his flatmates turned their 10-room home into a nightclub to afford rent.

After graduating, Musk started a PhD program at Stanford but dropped out just two days to venture into entrepreneurship. His first venture, a software firm named Zip2, founded with his brother Kimbal, faced initial challenges. In a 2014 speech, Musk shared that he slept on a small office couch as he couldn't afford an apartment. He also had significant student debt while working on Zip2.

" When we started our first company (Zip2) in 95, I had over $100k of student debt, a computer I built myself and a few thousand dollars " - Musk wrote in a tweet.

These early challenges shaped Musk's eventual success. His passion for reading also greatly influenced his journey.

10 books recommended by Elon Musk that changed his life and will change yours too

The Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov, an American writer and biochemist, is a famous set of science fiction books. It tells a story about how a mathematician named Hari Seldon invented a way to predict the galaxy's future using math. The series explores how societies change over a very long time and the importance of science.

The Lord of the Rings is a fantasy book about Frodo, a hobbit, trying to destroy an evil ring to save his world from a dark lord. A group of friends helps him in a thrilling adventure . It's a tale of courage and the battle of good vs. evil.

" The heroes of the books I read, The Lord of the Rings and the Foundation series, always felt a duty to save the world ," Musk said in an interview with the New Yorker .

Another science fiction novel in Musk's library is The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by American science fiction author Robert Heinlein. It's set on the Moon and revolves around a lunar colony's fight for independence from Earth.

In an interview at MIT's Aero/Astro Centennial, Elon Musk praised The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress as one of Heinlein's best works, according to TOI .

By Karishma Shetty

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By Saloni Dhruv

This book explains how various everyday objects don't collapse. It uses real-world examples to explore the science and engineering behind the stability of structures. Author J.E. Gordon was one of the founders of materials science and biomechanics.

" It is good if you want a primer on structural design ," Musk said in an interview with KCRW , a radio station in America.

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson is a biography of America's founding father, writer, scientist and inventor, Benjamin Franklin . The book tells the story of his early years as his brother's apprentice in a printing shop and his achievements as a scientist and inventor.

According to Business Insider , Musk spoke highly of Franklin in an interview with Kevin Rose. " He (Benjamin Franklin) was an entrepreneur. He started from nothing. He was just a runaway kid. Franklin's pretty awesome ," Musk said.

Einstein: His Life and Universe by American historian and journalist Walter Isaacson is a biography that tells the story of Albert Einstein , one of the most outstanding scientists in history. It explores Einstein's life, from his early years to his groundbreaking discoveries in physics.

Zero to One is a book by American entrepreneur and writer Peter Thiel about building successful startups and creating something new. Thiel's book offers insights on innovation, competition, and the secrets to building a business.

"Peter Thiel has built multiple breakthrough companies, and Zero to One shows how ," Musk once said, according to  Amazon.com .

This book explores the potential consequences of creating machines or artificial intelligence that can surpass human intelligence. Author Nick Bostrom, a Swedish philosopher , also discusses strategies for ensuring it benefits humanity instead of harming it. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/495759307346952192?t=vzhgeVw_9bubklXR-5M-ow&s=19

This one by scientist and sci-fi writer John D. Clark explains the development of rocket propellants that can successfully take man into space. It delves into the science and history of how scientists and engineers created explosive fuels needed for rockets.

" There is a good book on rocket stuff called Ignition! by John Clark that’s a fun one ,” Musk said in one of his interviews, according to TOI .

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

A New York Times bestseller, Life 3.0 by Swedish-American physicist Max Tegmark is another book on Artificial intelligence recommended by Musk. The author explores the future of artificial intelligence and its societal implications, which can lead to a new form of life (Life 3.0).

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10 Best Books That Elon Musk Recommends

Elon musk's book recommendation.

According to a recent survey by US firm First Round Capital, He’s the most admired tech leader globally. He’s the only person who’s making billions of dollars selling electric cars while at the very same time preparing to colonize Mars. His recent propulsion in business and technology, combined with his highly controversial role as adviser to the president.

Musk loves to read, much like Warren Buffett, who credits much of his success. He reportedly finished the entire Encyclopedia Britannica by age nine! When asked how he learned so much about rocket science, Musk answered with three words: I read books. But we wanted to know which books helped shape Musk’s one-of-a-kind career. Luckily, we found this list of the ten that he recommends most. Let’s see!

Top 10 Books That Elon Musk Recommends

In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in 2017, Musk revealed that he grew up reading many science fiction and fantasy books. He continues to read various books on various subjects, including physics, engineering, biographies, history, and more. He also mentioned that he sometimes read as much as 10 hours a day.

In several interviews, Elon Musk mentioned that he was a passionate reader as a child and enjoyed science fiction and fantasy books in particular. Here are some books that Elon Musk has mentioned reading as a kid:

• The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien.
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
• The Foundation trilogy by Isaac Asimov.
• The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks.
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.
• The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.
• Dune by Frank Herbert.
• The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein.
• The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick.
• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

It’s worth noting that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other books that Elon Musk read as a child that he has not mentioned in interviews.

We bring you the list of books recommended by Elon Musk. Elon Musk is the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla. He has said that reading various books from epic fantasy works is essential.

A list of 10 books Elon Musk recommends, which the billionaire entrepreneur thinks everyone should read.

1. Zero To One

When Musk managed the payments business in the early 2000s, he directly competed with PayPal, co-founded by Peter Thiel. A man who is now a billionaire investor. So Musk naturally supported it when Thiel came out with his book on startup theory. Peter Thiel and ‘Zero to One’ shows have built several breakthrough companies.

Zero to One describes how to build efficient startups to build a better future. The book looks in-depth into properly planning and executing a startup that can be as impactful as successful. Thiel explains the importance of knowing the market before entering a startup to ensure a solid foundation before any funding, knowing little about startup culture.

The book is full of combative observations from Thiel, such as the fascination with disruption in Silicon Valley is entirely misguided. If you had the right mix between intellectual capacity and purpose, you’d be successful in the long term. This book is for anyone who wants to build a better future. Also, this is one of the books Elon Musk recommends.

Author: Peter Thiel, Blake Masters Pages: 224 Category: Economic Policy & Development, Venture Capital, New Business Enterprises (Best Seller)

2. Einstein: His Life And Universe

Musk’s first college degree was a B.S. in physics. All three companies, Space X, Tesla, and Solar City, rely on a deep and continuous knowledge of physics and chemistry. Einstein developed our modern understanding of the world. So it is only natural that Musk would be interested in the life and work of this man. It is a valuable advantage for a rational citizenry to understand the methodology of science.

Science tells us the connection between factual facts and general hypotheses, demonstrated well in Einstein’s life. Furthermore, appreciating science’s glories is a joyous hallmark of a healthy culture. It allows us to contact the childlike desire to wonder about dropping apples and elevators that define Einstein. So this biographic book tells you the real hero story and Elon Musk recommends it for Astro readers.

Author: Walter Isaacson Pages: 704 Category: Science & Engineering, Biography

3. The Foundation Series

Besides the Lord of the Rings, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series formed Musk’s early interest in science fiction and fantasy. The Foundation series by Isaac Asimov is one of the most classic science fiction series ever. It is also trendy and well-known that Elon Musk recommends it at every show.

The books concentrate on the collapse of a fictitious interstellar empire through the Milky Way. It consists of millions of human-settled worlds. The stories may have an immense impact on the career history of Musk. In a 2013 interview with The Guardian, he said about the series.

“The lessons of history would suggest that cultures pass in cycles. The Babylonians, the Sumerians, the Romans, China, and the Egyptians, can be traced back. We’re obviously in a very upward cycle, and hopefully, that’s still the case.”

A mathematician, historian, and scholar named Hari Seldon invented a prediction system. The system is called psychohistory. It uses the principles of statistical mechanics. So Hari Seldon created this method and predicted the next few thousand years. Do you want to know more, then get this book quickly.

Author: Isaac Asimov Pages: 296 Category: Space Operas, Hard Science Fiction

4. Our Final Invention

Our Final Invention provides more warnings about the dangers of artificial intelligence. In a 2014 tweet, Elon Musk called the book a worthy read. It looks closely at AI’s potential future, assessing its benefits and drawbacks on its website. Berrett says the book is at least partly about the catastrophic downside of AI. You’ll never hear about one from Google, Apple, IBM, and DARPA.

Musk’s agreement with AI has a target, and humanity is in the way. AI doesn’t have to be harmful to destroy humanity. It could, of course, kill civilization without thinking about it or remorse. He said this in a documentary on artificial intelligence. This book is best for reading if you want to learn about future technology and its effect.

Author: James Barrat Pages: 336 Category: Human-Computer Interaction, Intelligence & Semantics

5. Empire: The Life, Legend, and Madness of Howard Hughes

Empire is a memoir about entrepreneurship. Hughes lived a life that was very sad and lonely. He never reached the degree of technological success that he wanted. Despite his brilliance as an inventor and businessman, he’s remembered today more for his biggest disappointment, the Spruce Goose, than his accomplishments.

Howard Hughes is seen by Tesla as a role model to prevent rather than imitate. However, Hughes’s mind was capable of absorbing complex technological information. As a tech lover, you must read this book to earn unique ideas, knowledge, and things.

Author: Donald L. Barlett, James B. Steele Narrator: Christopher Hurt Category: Actors & Entertainers

6. Ignition: An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellants

Ignition is about Petroleum Engineering. This insider’s account of rocketry in his early years captures the excitement of technology, research, and development beyond computer science. Although we are used to thinking of technical advancements in Moore’s Law. These engineers have gone from launching metal tubes small enough. It can carry a two-ton metal capsule and take three humans to the moon in a few years.

Elon Musk sees himself as keeping this tradition with his Space X company. Initially, this print book was printed on demand and is very rare. By reading this book, you can learn about some terrible experiments and their results. So don’t miss it!

Author: John Drury Clark, Isaac Asimov Pages: 214 Category: Energy Production, Fossil Fuels

7. Structures: Why Things Don’t Fall Down

Structures is about Structural Engineering. Gordon came from a coding background when Musk began Space X., But he took it upon himself to learn rocket science, basics, structures, and why things do not fall. GE’s famous take on structural engineering was one of the books that helped him. It is good if you want a structural design primer. Musk said this in an interview with Casey RW, a radio station in Southern California.

Elon Musk was intimately acquainted with Space X Falcon heavy rockets, planning, and construction because of his interest in rocket mechanics. He has served as both Space X’s chief designer and CEO. Musk said, ”It was not because I wanted to be the chief engineer or chief designer that I ended up being the chief engineer during a 2017 talk about colonizing Mars.”

Musk has consistently described Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers and an accomplished inventor, as one of his idols in his infamous kite experiment. It led to the lightning bolts invention. You must read this book to learn more about the invention and structural design in history.

Author: J. E. Gordon Pages: 421 Category: Engineering & Transportation

8. Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Life 3.0 is that Elon Musk is exploring the future of artificial intelligence if you’re detecting a trend among the books on this list. MIT Professor Max Tegmark writes in Life 3.0 about keeping artificial intelligence beneficial to human life and ensuring that technological innovation stays consistent with humanity’s future aspirations. One of the few books Musk suggests deals with AI’s possibility as a power rather than evil for good.

Should we be scared of artificial intelligence? This is a growing question and debate among scientists and policymakers. In this book, the author analyzes the growth of artificial intelligence and a technological point of view. It analyzes the growth of artificial intelligence and its impact on human beings. If we answer artificial intelligence, we need to answer what it means to understand humans.

What it means to be a conscious being today is crucial to understanding artificial intelligence and how we can grow alongside it. It is an excellent book for learning more about artificial intelligence. However, I would start with something that’s a bit more introductory, as this book does get quite complex. If you fall into that camp, I recommend this book as it is highly technical and full of great value.

Author: Max Tegmark Pages: 384 Category: Biotechnology, Robotics (Best Seller)

9. Merchants of Doubt

Elon Musk strongly believes that science should be central in government policy settings. Merchants of Doubt describes how many scientists are funded by companies. They have steadily made money by sowing doubts about scientific legitimacy in the public mind to challenge empirical evidence.

Fred Singer and a handful of other scientists joined forces with think tanks and private firms on various contemporary issues, case after case. In the early years, much of the cash for this program came from the tobacco industry. It came later from foundations, think tanks, and the fossil fuel industry. The correlation between smoking and cancer remained unproven.

They claim that volcanoes were triggering acid rain and the ozone hole. They rejected global warming, most recently over almost two decades. The book gives you the tools to convince other people to join the side of reason to fight for a better planet, which is honestly something that we should be doing. Every person we convince to fight for a more conscious society is a huge victory. Don’t pick the hardcover because it has low-quality issues, but the paperback is good for font size, color, pages, and cover design.

Author: Naomi Oreskes, Erik M. Conway Pages: 368 Category: History & Philosophy

10. Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies

Elon Musk has a bird’s eye view of the advancement of technology, including his leadership positions at SpaceX, Solar City, and Tesla. All this isn’t good news, he tweeted. We must be careful with AI since it’s potentially more dangerous than nukes. To find out why he says it, it’s worth reading. Nick Bostrom’s Superintelligence book makes the audacious inquiry into what might happen if computational intelligence exceeds human intelligence.

As the title suggests, Superintelligence is about superintelligence, or mainly it’s about artificial intelligence. The book is extraordinarily in-depth. It is the most challenging book I’ve read in a very long time. The first few chapters are very informative, but some middle chapters are hypothetical and biased, which I did not like. Overall, I enjoyed it.

Author: Nick Bostrom Pages: 352 Category: AI & Machine Learning

Elon Musk did not read a book to learn how to build a rocket. Instead, he has stated in various interviews that he has read many books on multiple subjects, including physics, engineering, and rocket science.

Musk said that when he first became interested in space exploration, he read all the books on the subject. He also spent a lot of time studying the history of spaceflight, including the successes and failures of previous space programs. So, it’s clear that his knowledge and expertise in this area were developed over many years of study, experimentation, and trial and error.

One of the books that inspired Elon Musk is “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams. This science fiction comedy novel follows the misadventures of an unwitting human and his alien friends. They travel through space. The book has significantly influenced Musk, who has even named one of his SpaceX rockets, the Falcon Heavy, after a spaceship from the story.

I hope you will read these books and discover the new technology and world. As an Elon Musk fan, I always try to read innovative science fiction books. So don’t be late, and collect the book. Happy book reading!

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Elon Musk Book Recommendations: 33 Titles From Musk’s Reading List

R.J. Weiss, CFP®

• Updated July 06, 2020

A common attribute among exceptionally successful people is a voracious appetite for books. Leaders from Bill Gates to Oprah to Dave Ramsey attribute much of their success to their reading habits . 

Elon Musk is no different. In a 2009 New Yorker profile , he explained that he started reading in his youth to assuage his loneliness. As a boy in Pretoria, South Africa, Musk was a classic small, wise-cracking nerd. And in classic form, he sought refuge from his peers’ constant bullying by reading science fiction and fantasy novels. 

Scanning the list below will leave you with no doubt that Musk’s early reading shaped his thoughts on innovation and leadership, as well as his perspectives on science, business and human progress. Many of the books he cites as major early influences are classic works of science fiction that deal with the relationship between man and machine.

If you’re interested in the same course of study, we’ve scoured the web, his past interviews, and his Twitter feed to compile this complete list of Elon Musk book recommendations. The books below are categorized by genre and listed chronologically by their date of first publication.

Table of Contents

Science Fiction

Reading science fiction broadens your horizons to imagine life beyond the limits of the current human experience. And recent neuroscience has revealed that fiction also grants its readers greater empathy, social skills and sensory stimulation .

In other words, our brains don’t make much of a distinction between our imagined experiences and real ones.

As the CEO of disruptive technology companies like SpaceX, The Boring Company and Tesla, it’s no wonder that Musk is so heavily influenced by classic sci-fi literature; many of these books were written during the Space Race, looking forward to the future of space exploration.

#1. The Machine Stops

Author : E.M. Forster First published : 1909 Recommended by Musk here .

This classic short story describes a society in which humans no longer live on the surface of the earth, but in individual, subterranean rooms where all their needs are met by the all-powerful, deified Machine.

Travel is rare, and people communicate via videoconferencing to share ideas. As the Machine breaks down, society starts to crumble with it.

In light of the recent lockdowns, travel restrictions, and reliance on internet communication due to COVID-19, this piece is nothing short of prophetic.

#2. The Foundation Series

Author : Isaac Asimov First published : 1942 Recommended by Musk here .

In this award-winning novel series from foundational sci-fi author Asimov, mathematician Hari Seldon predicts the inevitable fall of the Galactic Empire and a Dark Age that will last 30,000 years.

In an attempt to reduce the crisis to a mere millennium, Seldon establishes two “Foundations” to preserve scientific knowledge and human civilization.

There are a total of seven books in the series, with the final edition being published in 1993. However, the first three books — usually referred to as The Foundation Trilogy — are widely considered the most important.

#3. Stranger in a Strange Land

Author : Robert Heinlein First published : 1961 Recommended by Musk here .

Mike, a human born on Mars and raised by Martians, returns to earth after World War III. Although he is technically returning home, human society is strange and unknown to him.

He has ownership claims to Mars, and nurse Jill Boardman helps him escape the government whom she fears could harm him. He then starts a new religion based on Martian philosophy. 

Author : Frank Herbet First published : 1965 Recommended by Musk here .

The planet Arrakis is a barely inhabitable desert wasteland, and the only source of melange — more commonly referred to as “Spice” — a popular drug that extends life and allows for space navigation.

Dune chronicles the adventures of Paul Atreides and his family as they defend Arrakis from attack and navigate various intergalactic economic, political, religious and military factions.

#5. The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

Author : Robert Heinlein First published : 1966 Recommended by Musk here .

The year is 2075, and the moon is a penal colony. Mannie, the son of a convict and an average computer technician, is unwittingly drawn into a revolution for lunar independence.

With the help of a self-aware computer named Mike, Mannie and his fellow moon inhabitants (called Loonies) fight for Earth to recognize the moon as an autonomous state.

#6. I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream 

Author : Harlan Ellison First published : 1967 Recommended by Musk here .

Computers created by the U.S., the Soviet Union and China have morphed into a supercomputer, called AM, which has become sentient. After nearly completing the elimination of all humans, AM’s only remaining objective is to torture the five remaining humans as revenge for its own existence.

Musk says this story gives him nightmares.

#7. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Author : Douglas Adams First published : 1979 Recommended by Musk here .

Musk says the lighthearted and comical Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy helped him get through an existential crisis in his teens.

The book follows Arthur Dent, an Earthling who is rescued from Earth’s destruction by Ford Prefect, an alien who hitchhikes his way through the galaxy.

The center screen of the Tesla Roadster Musk launched toward Mars bears a quote from the book : “Don’t panic!”

#8. The Culture Series 

Author : Iain M. Banks First published : 1987 Recommended by Musk here .

All work in “the Culture” — a society of humanoid species, aliens and advanced AI — is performed by machines.

In this post-scarcity utopia, humans have access to anything they want… provided they pledge allegiance to “the Minds” that control the Culture’s galactic interactions.

Of the 10 works in the series, Musk has specifically mentioned his admiration for The Player of Games (1988), Look to Windward (2000), and Surface Detail (2010).

#9. Dark City 

Author : Frank Lauria First published : 1978 Recommended by Musk here .

In Dark City, even time, memory and truth are malleable. John Murdock wakes up with amnesia and finds himself the suspect of several murders.

Following clues, he uses his psychokinetic powers to attempt to clear his name and evade both police and The Strangers — extraterrestrials who use human bodies as hosts. 

#10. Daemon 

Author : Daniel Suarez First published : 2006 Recommended by Musk here .

Brilliant game designer Matthew Sobol is dying of brain cancer and creates a “daemon” to be activated upon his death.

This series of stealthy, interconnected computer programs is designed to seize control of everything — from stock prices to vehicles — in order to create a new world order.

Detective Peter Sebeck must uncover the daemon’s dark purpose and stop it.

Business Books

Despite Elon Musk’s status as the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, he hasn’t recommended many business books — perhaps viewing himself as more of an inventor than an investor or businessman. That said, Musk does deem the following business and entrepreneurship books worth reading.

If you’re looking for business book recommendations, check out our roundup of Warren Buffet’s most recommended books and this list of the best business books of all time (as voted by 100 tops CEOs and entrepreneurs). 

#11. Screw Business as Usual

Author : Richard Branson First published : 2011 Subtitle : Turning Capitalism into a Force for Good. Recommended by Musk here .

The best businesses are the ones with a goal other than increasing their bottom line; ones that make the world a better place for the people in it.

Branson demonstrates this through several case studies, refuting many tenets of traditional capitalism and asserting that “doing good things for society is good for business.”

#12. Zero to One

Author : Peter Thiel and Blake Masters Subtitle : Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future. First published : 2014 Recommended by Musk on the back cover.

In Musk’s own words, “Peter Thiel has built multiple breakthrough companies, and Zero to One shows how.”

Thiel — who was Musk’s partner in co-founding PayPal — describes the modern economic lay of the land and discusses how to find the sweet spot in creating a company that addresses an unmet need in a revolutionary way.

Note : Zero to One also ranks as one of our top books on making money .

Biographies

By reading about the lives of others, you can study their mistakes and shorten your own learning curve. Musk has a healthy appetite for biographies and stands on the shoulders of the following giants.

#13. Twelve Against the Gods

Author : William Bolitho Ryall Subtitle : The Story of Adventure. First published : 1929 Recommended by Musk here .

This book is a compilation of 12 seemingly unrelated historical figures, from Christopher Columbus to Muhammad to dancer Isadora Duncan.

What connects this group is the fact that each of these adventurers challenged conformity and the expectations of their day to achieve great heights.

Bolitho defines the adventurer as “an individualist and an egoist, a truant from obligations,” so it’s easy to see why Musk would relate to the people in the book.

#14. The Age of Napoleon 

Author : Will Durant and Ariel Durant Subtitle :  The Story of Civilization. First published : 1975 Recommended by Musk here .

Somewhere between a history and a biography, The Age of Napoleon covers not only the rise and fall of the French emperor himself, but of the culture of France, the French Revolution, and other key historical players (such as English poets and Beethoven) on the international stage.

#15. Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness 

Author : Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele First published : 1979

It’s easy to see why Musk would take an interest in Howard Hughes: he was a business magnate and philanthropist, and he pushed the limits of air travel.

However, in a recent interview with CNN, Musk noted he didn’t want to follow Hughes’ descent into madness, abandoning hygiene and “peeing in jars.” 

#16. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

Author : Walter Isaacson First published : 2003 Recommended by Musk here .

This biography brings to life the personality and achievements of one of the best known American inventors, scientists, entrepreneurs and statesmen.

Despite Isaacson’s admiration for Benjamin Franklin, he chronicles his flaws as well as his accomplishments.

Musk especially appreciates the rags-to-riches theme of this story, and notes in a CNN interview that Franklin is “one of [his] heroes”.

#17. Einstein: His Life and Universe

Author : Walter Isaacson First published : 2007 Recommended by Musk here .

This biography encapsulates the brilliant, quirky, non-conformist scientist and his many accomplishments. His childlike wonder and curiosity kept him pursuing the unknown.

The book delves into previously unresearched material to narrate his childhood experiences, struggles, and pursuance of knowledge until his last breath. 

#18. Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman

Author : Robert Massie First published : 2011 Recommended by Musk here .

This book delves into the story of Catherine the Great, who started life as Sofia Augusta Fredericka (the daughter of an obscure German noble) and ended up becoming Empress of Russia for over 30 years.

Massie captures both the political and the personal through Catherine’s eyes, giving the reader insight into her brilliant and determined leadership.

#19. Steve Jobs

Author : Walter Isaacson First published : 2011 Recommended by Musk here .

Unlike his historical biography subjects, Isaacson interviewed Steve Jobs in person and at length for this book. This allowed Isaacson to portray Jobs’ brilliant (albeit dictatorial) leadership of Apple and groundbreaking innovation in all his blunt, feisty splendor.

Steve Jobs was a man who never thought he was wrong — and who, though audacious, usually turned out to be right in the long run. 

Artificial Intelligence

While Musk is an avid supporter of technological advancements, he is keenly aware of the flip side of the coin — the danger posed by unresearched and unchecked consequences of artificial intelligence.

While this danger underpins many of his favorite science fiction books, the selections below look at the topic from a more fact-based standpoint, helping to shape his notoriously cautious views on the subject.

#20. Our Final Invention

Author : James Barrat Subtitle : A rtificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era. First published : 2013 Recommended by Musk here .

Barrat explains that artificial intelligence will someday surpass human intelligence — and argues that that day is coming faster than we think.

Our Final Invention is a primer on AI history, varieties and concepts for the layman.

His work is accessible and extensive, but cautionary; Barrat warns that while it may seem outlandish to some, super-intelligence could indeed threaten human existence.

#21. Superintelligence

Author : Nick Bostrom Subtitle : Paths, Dangers, Strategies. First published : 2014 Recommended by Musk here .

To find out why the risks of AI are so scary, Musk says it’s worth reading Nick Bostrom’s Superintelligence , which makes a daring inquiry into what would happen if computational intelligence surpassed human intelligence.

Unless the superintelligence is endowed with qualities that align with human values, it could become, as Musk puts it, “an immortal dictator from which we could never escape.”

Musk agrees with Bostrom that a superintelligence could be more deadly than nukes.

#22. The AI Revolution

Author : Tim Urban Subtitle : The Road to Superintelligence. First published : 2015 Recommended by Musk here .

This two-part blog post explains the historical context for how fast the AI revolution is coming, as well as the technological growth in computing power that our generation will likely witness.

Urban illuminates the tiny corners of our world already quietly running on AI (email spam filters, air traffic control and stock trades, for example) and illustrates the potential — both benevolent and terrible — for the godlike power of AI.

Read Part 1 and Part 2

#23. Life 3.0

Author : Max Tegmark Subtitle : Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. First published : 2017 Recommended by Musk h e re .

Life 3.0 asserts that in order to weather the technological, economic and societal shift brought on by widespread use of artificial intelligence, we must immediately confront some difficult ethical questions.

By proactively planning and shaping our future, we can avoid the disastrous consequences of mismanaged technology after the fact.

#24. Human Compatible

Author : Stuart Russell Subtitle : Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control. First published : 2019 Recommended by Musk here .

Russell notes that the Machiavellian method of determining the success of an AI task is currently flawed: we look only at how well the task was completed, disregarding (and allowing the computer to disregard) all human values that may be violated in the process.

Similar to Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics , Russell gives three principles to guide the beneficial development of AI based on human preferences and behaviors.

Other Books

Musk’s reading is not limited to these genres. He reads a little of everything. I guess when your goal is to develop breakthrough electric batteries, create hyperloops to supplant freeways, and plan to colonize Mars, it pays to be a jack-of-all-trades.

#25. The Lord of the Rings

Author : J.R.R. Tolkien First published : 1954 Recommended by Musk here .

Musk noted in an interview with the New Yorker that he has admired the unassuming heroes of the books in this epic high-fantasy series since childhood.

Humble hobbits Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin journey to unknown lands, team up with dwarves, elves and kings, and fight monsters to save the world from the evil Lord Sauron and the power of the One Ring.

#26. Waiting for Godot

Author : Samuel Beckett Subtitle : A Tragicomedy in Two Acts. First published : 1953 Recommended by Musk here .

Musk appreciates the absurd humor of Waiting for Godot , noting that “we so often wait, without knowing why, when or where.”

In this play, two men meet at a scraggly tree to wait for a mysterious Godot, who never arrives. The play is extremely minimalist in props, set and characters, leaving the interpretation very much up to the audience.

#27. Structures

Author : J.E. Gordon Subtitle : Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down. First published : 1978 Recommended by Musk here .

Structures — defined here as any collection of materials, both natural and manmade, that are built to withstand a force or load — are all around us.

This book on structural design and material engineering covers the history of human-designed structures and serves as a primer on the physical principles of building materials (like stress, strain and stiffness).

Gordon gives many practical examples, such as why so many buildings use beams and why broken-in shoes feel nicer than brand-new ones.

#28. Ignition!

Author : John D. Clark Subtitle : An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellants. First published : 1972 Recommended by Musk here .

For all of Musk’s infatuation with space exploration, this is his only recommended book on rocket science.

Ignition!  chronicles the journey of rival research labs to discover a substance that would send rockets past Earth’s gravity and into space.

What could easily be a dry, academic work blossoms in the hands of author John D. Clark into an engrossing story of a few underfunded, resilient, zany chemists making things that go “boom.”

#29. If the Universe Is Teeming with Aliens…

Author : Stephen Webb Subtitle : WHERE IS EVERYBODY? First published : 2002 Recommended by Musk here .

This book addresses Fermi’s Paradox, which posits the following question: if (statistically) there should be many alien life forms in our universe, why have we found no convincing evidence of them?

With 400 billion stars to host planets in the Milky Way alone, it’s a fair question.

Webb explores dozens of explanations for the paradox — such as that extraterrestrials came and left, they are here but can’t be detected, or that they do not actually exist — weighing in on each theory and concluding with his own ideas on why we haven’t seen any aliens on Earth.

#30. Merchants of Doubt

Author : Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway Subtitle : How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming. First published : 2010 Recommended by Musk here .

Scientists knew that smoking tobacco was dangerous, that acid rain was harmful, and that the climate was changing long before the general public did.

Oreskes and Conway uncover the people and institutions that muddled, changed, and obscured scientific evidence from public view in multiple cases — and what they gained from doing so.

Author : Sam Harris First published : 2011 Recommended by Musk here .

The crux of this book is simple: you can make a deep impact by telling the truth when others lie.

Whether the lie is small (telling your wife she doesn’t look fat in that dress) or large (forging tax documents), it usually results in negative consequences for the liar.

Harris examines the psychological and evolutionary precedences for lying, as well as tactical suggestions for telling the painful, scary truth.

#32. The Fault in Our Stars

Author : John Green First published : 2012 Recommended by Musk here .

Musk admits to enjoying this romantic young adult novel about Hazel, a teenage girl with thyroid cancer who begrudgingly attends a cancer support group to appease her parents.

There, she meets Augustus, a cancer survivor who has lost his leg. Together they travel to Amsterdam to meet Hazel’s favorite author, fall in love, and grapple with loss.

#33. A Woman Makes a Plan

Author : Maye Musk Subtitle : Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success. First published : 2019 Recommended by Musk here .

Maye Musk’s credentials include international supermodel, registered dietitian, and mother to three successful children — including her son Elon.

Her success and fame have not come easily; she is the survivor of domestic abuse and raised her three children on a small income.

Her advice is simple, yet profound: if you don’t like your situation, environment, or some aspect of yourself, then make a plan to change it. Persevere and work through it, and don’t let age or agencies stop you.

Elon Musk Reading List: Final Thoughts

Ironically, in this human era that is oversaturated with information, we often forget how much knowledge can be gained by simply reading a book. Whether or not you want to build rockets and combat climate change, reading like a CEO can help you think like one. 

Consistent reading of quality works of fiction and nonfiction alike is well worth the time investment — even if it’s just an escape from the stress of reality. And if a billionaire like Elon Musk has time to read, chances are you do too. 

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10 Books Recommended By Elon Musk That Changed The Billionaire's Life

Elon Musk is a name that needs no introduction. The world’s richest man (as per Bloomberg billionaire index) has an eye watering net worth of more than $200 billion at present. From having a childhood dream of becoming the world’s richest person alive, to actually making it happen, the billionaire’s life is a testament of how your never give up attitude is what takes you closer towards your life’s goals.

And just like other billionaires like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, Elon Musk too is an avid reader of books, and has himself often shared a list of many books which have helped shape his life.

10 Books Recommended By Elon Musk That Changed His Life

1. Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov

American biochemist and author Isaac Asimov is well-known for his science fiction books, The Foundation Series. It narrates the tale of how mathematician Hari Seldon developed a method for making mathematical predictions about the galaxy's future. The show examines the value of science and how societies evolve over very long epochs. 

2. The Lord of the Rings by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

In the fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings, Frodo, a hobbit, sets out to destroy a wicked ring in order to free his world from a dark lord. He gets assistance from some friends in an exciting adventure. It's a story of bravery and the conflict between good and evil. 

"The heroes of the books I read, The Lord of the Rings and the Foundation series, always felt a duty to save the world," Musk said in an interview with the New Yorker.

Also read;  15 Books Recommended By Billionaire Warren Buffett For Investors

3. The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, written by American science fiction author Robert Heinlein, is another book in Musk's collection. The story takes place on the moon and centers on the struggle of a lunar colony to become independent of Earth. 

In an interview at MIT's Aero/Astro Centennial, Elon Musk praised The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress as one of Heinlein's best works, according to TOI.

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

This book, written by one of the pioneers of materials science and biomechanics, J.E. Gordon, explores the science and engineering underlying the stability of structures through a variety of common objects and real-world examples.

"It is good if you want a primer on structural design," Musk said in an interview with KCRW, a radio station in America.

5. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson's Benjamin Franklin: An American Life is a biography of the writer, scientist, inventor, and founding father of the United States. The book chronicles his early years as an apprentice in a printing shop under his brother, as well as his accomplishments as a scientist and inventor. 

According to Business Insider, Musk spoke highly of Franklin in an interview with Kevin Rose. "He (Benjamin Franklin) was an entrepreneur. He started from nothing. He was just a runaway kid. Franklin's pretty awesome," Musk said.

Also Read:  10 Financial Books That Can Help You Retire As A Millionaire

6. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

Einstein: His Life and Universe by American historian and journalist Walter Isaacson is a biography narrating the life of one of the greatest scientists in history, Albert Einstein. It covers the entirety of Einstein's life, from his formative years to his revolutionary physics discoveries.

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

Zero to One is a book by American author and entrepreneur Peter Thiel about starting new businesses and developing profitable ventures. Thiel's book provides information on competition, innovation, and business development strategies. 

"Peter Thiel has built multiple breakthrough companies, and Zero to One shows how," Musk once said, according to Amazon.com.

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

The possible effects of building machines or artificial intelligence that can outsmart humans are examined in this book. Swedish philosopher Nick Bostrom, the author, also talks about ways to make sure it helps humanity rather than hurting it.

Worth reading Superintelligence by Bostrom. We need to be super careful with AI. Potentially more dangerous than nukes. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 3, 2014

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

This one, written by science fiction author and scientist John D. Clark, describes how rocket propellants are developed so that humans can travel into space. It explores the history and science of how engineers and scientists produced the explosive fuels required for rockets. 

"There is a good book on rocket stuff called Ignition! by John Clark that’s a fun one,” Musk said in one of his interviews, according to TOI.

10. Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark

Musk also suggests the Swedish-American physicist Max Tegmark's New York Times best-seller Life 3.0 as another book on artificial intelligence. The author investigates the potential societal ramifications of artificial intelligence, which could result in the emergence of a new kind of life known as Life 3.0.

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10 Transformative Books Recommended by Elon Musk That Could Change Your Life

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10 Books Elon Musk Recommends for Success

• Benjamin Hughes

In this article, we are going to discuss books Elon Musk recommends on Twitter for everyone to read.

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Elon Musk, the brilliant mind behind some of today’s most innovative businesses, and the unconventional entrepreneur he is. Did you know that Elon Musk, who is well-known for his enormous drive and brilliant ideas, also has a hidden fondness for literature?

True enough. Behind the scenes at SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, and The Boring Company is an avid reader who is confident in the transformative potential of education.

It’s nice to know that in this age of 140-character tweets and soundbites, even a visionary like Elon Musk can find peace and inspiration in the written word. His varied interests and unquenchable curiosity are reflected in his wide-ranging reading preferences, which range from science fiction classics to biographies and textbooks.

Musk’s passion for books is more than a hobby; it’s a source of inspiration for his innovative business strategies.

Musk credits science fiction as a major inspiration for his ideas. He became engrossed in the works of Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, and Arthur C. Clarke as a young lad in South Africa. Musk was inspired to make science fiction become reality after reading stories about space travel, AI, and parallel universes.

In reality, the goal of making humans an interplanetary species was anchored in the pages of his favorite science fiction novels, and this aspiration served as the inspiration for SpaceX’s founding objective.

The science fiction genre isn’t the only thing Musk reads, though. He recognizes the importance of considering alternative points of view and avidly reads books that do so. He has learned a lot from biographies of famous people like Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein about their methods of thinking, work ethics, and ability to solve problems.

By reading about their lives, he is able to internalize the essence of their brilliance and incorporate it into his own endeavors.

Musk isn’t content to sit on his expertise laurels and thinks everyone should contribute to furthering human knowledge. The Tesla reading list, a compilation of literature he thought were crucial for anyone thinking about humanity’s future, was released under his name in 2015.

The varied topics on this list vary from economics and history to AI and renewable energy. Musk’s goal in compiling and recommending these works is to encourage readers to believe in the potential of ideas and to take action in pursuit of their own life-changing goals.

1. Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov’s Foundation novels are widely considered to be among the most seminal works in the genre, lauded for their groundbreaking combination of breathless action, innovative concepts, and detailed worldbuilding.

Asimov’s novel Foundation is both a reflection on the best and worst of humanity and an exploration of how even a small group of brave individuals may make a difference in the vastness of space and time.

The Galactic Empire has been at the top of the food chain for a good 12,000 years. There’s no hope now; it’s dying.

A dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and violence lasting thirty thousand years is what only Hari Seldon, founder of the new science of psychohistory, can foresee.

Seldon gets together the most brilliant scientists and academics in the Empire and relocates them to a desolate planet at the edge of the galaxy to act as a beacon of hope for the survival of humanity and the preservation of knowledge.

His safe haven is known to him as the Foundation.

Foundation by Isaac Asimov is available on Amazon

Foundation Series & Zeroth Law are fundamental to creation of SpaceX — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 15, 2018

2. Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark

How will AI change things like crime, war, justice, the economy, society, and even what it means to be human?

Max Tegmark, an MIT professor who has contributed to mainstream research on how to keep AI helpful, is uniquely qualified and positioned to investigate the future implications of AI’s ascent.

How can we increase our well-being through automation without leaving people without jobs or meaning in life? When talking to today’s youth about their future, what advice do you think they should hear? To avoid failure, malfunction, or hacking, how can we make future AI systems more stable?

Should we worry about a race to develop increasingly dangerous autonomous weapons? Will machines someday surpass human intelligence and replace us in the workforce and beyond? Is AI going to give us more power than we know what to do with, or will it make life better than ever before?

Where do you see yourself in the future, if at all? To participate in what could be the most vital dialogue of our time, pick up this book. Superintelligence, purpose, awareness, and the ultimate physical boundaries of life in the cosmos are just some of the contentious topics that aren’t avoided.

Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark is available on Amazon.

Worth reading Life 3.0 by @Tegmark . AI will be the best or worst thing ever for humanity, so let’s get it right. https://t.co/lT0uMH3ujZ — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 29, 2017

3. Merchants of Doubt by Naomi Oreskes

U.S. scientists have long been at the forefront of investigating problems related to public health, environmental science, and general quality of life. Our research on the hazards of substances like DDT, cigarettes, air pollution, and climate change have all been considered groundbreaking.

However, a sizable minority of this population actively promotes the myth that these threats do not exist.

Over the course of four decades, Merchants of Doubt chronicles the efforts of a loosely knit organization of prominent scientists and scientific consultants with extensive political and corporate connections to mislead the public and dispute widely accepted scientific information.

Some of the same experts who have asserted that the science of global warming is “not settled” have also rejected the reality of research relating smoking and lung cancer, coal smoke and acid rain, and CFCs and the ozone hole.

One cigarette company boss explained that “doubt is our product” in a letter to employees. These so-called “experts” provided it.

Historians of science Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway lift the curtain on this seedy underbelly of the American scientific community, revealing how ideology and corporate interests, backed by a too-compliant media, have distorted public perception of some of the most serious challenges of our day.

Merchants of Doubt by Naomi Oreskes is available on Amazon.

Worth reading Merchants of Doubt. Same who tried to deny smoking deaths r denying climate change http://t.co/C6H8HrzS8X — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 25, 2013

4. Fault in Our Stars by John Green

A frail sixteen-year-old girl named “Hazel Lancaster” with terminal lung cancer is the protagonist of this novel. Cancer makes an already difficult life even more so. She is fighting a terrible illness alone until one day she meets “Augustus Waters,” a young man with a similar fate.

Life can take a sudden and unexpected turn for the better or for the worse at any time, including the final days before death.

It can be risky to read from the heart, but that’s the only way I know how. I swear this book literally made me sick and I felt like I was dying within.

There is an incalculable amount of suffering here, an agonizing amount of suffering, yet the rare but unforgettable moments of magic contained here make it all worth it.

A heartbreaking tale that will make you cry time and time again. Profoundly emotional, with rare bursts of uplifting inspiration and humor. In a word, stunning. A wealth of memorable sayings and events.

Strongly suggested. A masterwork for young adults.

Fault in our Stars by John Green is available on Amazon.

@johngreen @hankgreen You had me at Sheen or Gaddafi. Must admit to liking "The Fault in Our Stars" too. Sad, romantic and beautifully named — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 6, 2015

5. Dune by Frank Herbert

Dune follows young Paul Atreides as he assumes leadership of his noble family and the desert planet Arrakis, where the only valuable commodity is the “spice” melange, which may both increase a person’s lifespan and improve their state of mind. Melange is a reward so desirable that people are willing to risk their lives to obtain it.

The destruction of Paul’s family upon the betrayal of House Atreides will launch the young man on a path toward a destiny beyond his wildest dreams. And as he develops into the mysterious Muad’Dib, humanity’s oldest and most improbable hope will come true.

Herbert is incredibly productive. Parallel to the complex and thrilling plot are themes of religion, politics, the shifting nature of power, the legacy of colonialism, and humanity’s reckless devastation of the natural world. He demonstrates how crucial myths and religion are to maintaining authority across time. The nakedness of man as a political animal is revealed.

Herbert’s Muad’Dib religion is heavily influenced by Islamic thought. He explains the Islamic political philosophy by saying, “When religion and politics ride in the same cart and that cart is driven by a living Holy man, nothing can stand in the path of such a people.” A brief explanation of Islamism.

The oil contains the much-desired spice. The cunning Baron Vladmir Harkonnen epitomizes the Russian people. Fremen, the desert foxes, are a symbol of the indigenous Bedouin people of Saudi Arabia. The Bedouin have a deeply tribal culture and place a high emphasis on water. The ecology, of course, suffers the most.

It’s the kind of book that makes you long to be in the privileged company of the aristocratic Fremen, dreaming of the bleakness of Arrakis and wishing you could brave it with them. Frank Herbert reaches the summit of what any science fiction writer should strive for: the creation of a believable and compelling world.

Dune by Frank Herbert is available on Amazon.

Dune series by Herbert also brilliant. He advocates placing limits on machine intelligence. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 8, 2014

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

For Arthur Dent, it’s just another Thursday morning… until the bulldozers arrive and demolish his home. Shortly after Arthur’s best buddy reveals himself to be an extraterrestrial, the Earth is destroyed to make room for a new hyperspace fast route.

Things are going to become a lot worse after that.

In the companionship of a group of unreliable aliens, Arthur must make his way through a highly hostile cosmos with just a towel, a small yellow fish, and a book. Thankfully, the fish has a solid grasp of multiple tongues. And that book is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, on the front cover of which are the reassuring words “DON’T PANIC.”

Douglas Adams’ best-selling cultural classic throws logic out the window, messes with time and physics, provides witty observations on everyday objects like ballpoint pens, potted plants, and digital watches, and, most importantly, reveals the answer to life, the universe, and everything.

The question is, of course, how to answer it.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is available on Amazon.

@Recode I love Douglas Adams! My favorite spaceship ever is in HHGTTG. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2016

7. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand’s magnum opus, is a philosophical revolution told in the guise of an action thriller. It was nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read and features characters as enormous as life.

Who exactly is this John Galt character? Does he mean to kill the planet by saying he would turn off its engine, or does he mean to liberate it? Why does he have to pick fights with the people who need him the most instead of his enemies? He seems to be pitting himself against the one he loves.

When you learn the backstory of the mysterious occurrences that disrupt the lives of these extraordinary people, you’ll have your answers. You will learn why a once-prolific genius turned into a pathetic playboy, how a once-powerful steel industrialist plotted his own demise, how a composer quit on the eve of his greatest success, and how the beautiful woman in charge of a transcontinental railroad fell in love with the man she had sworn to kill.

The spectacle of human grandeur, as presented in Atlas Shrugged with all the poetry and power of one of the twentieth century’s premier painters, is on display for the reader of this modern classic and Rand’s most complete articulation of Objectivism, her breakthrough philosophy.

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand is available on Amazon.

Very appealing if you’re a sophomore in college. It’s a counterpoint to communism and useful as such, but should be tempered with kindness. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 16, 2018

8. Lying by Sam Harris

The real world is just like the fictional worlds of Anna Karenina, Madame Bovary, and Othello. Lies are the fuel that keep most private vices and public evils burning.

A desire to lie is often the missing moral component in cases of adultery and other personal betrayals, financial fraud, government corruption, and even murder and genocide.

Best-selling author and neurologist Sam Harris argues in his book Lying that if we all just told the truth in situations where people normally lie, our lives would be dramatically easier and our society would be better.

The temptation to lie is greatest with “white” lies, or those told to avoid causing others distress. They are also the only kinds of lies that good people tell themselves while still thinking they are being good.

Lying by Sam Harris is available on Amazon.

Read "Lying", the new book by my friend Sam Harris. Excellent cover art and lots of good reasons not to lie! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 21, 2011

9. The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, widely considered one of Robert A. Heinlein’s finest works, is also a timeless classic and philosophical touchstone, having sprung from the golden period of science fiction.

The novel’s themes of humanity, technology, and free will are as relevant now as they were when it was first published, and it does so within the context of a revolution on a lunar penal colony aided by a self-aware supercomputer.

In 1966, the concept of an artificial intelligence was cutting edge in the science fiction market, and it plays a pivotal role in this narrative.

The warmth of Heinlein’s character and the skill with which he handled conversation and characterization shine through in every sentence. Although this author’s (born in the early 20th century) themes of sexuality, family, and inclusiveness may be seen by modern readers as sexist or racist, his beliefs were socially progressive for his time.

His discussion on open marriages, polyamory, and line marriages, in which spouses can voluntarily join or leave the union, was fascinating. Line marriages have been documented to last for hundreds of years.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is available on Amazon.

Ignition by John Clarke, Huzel & Wang book on propulsion, Asimov's Foundation, Heinlein's MiaHM @WHester #APSpaceChat — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 3, 2012

10. The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

On March 9, 1776, during the height of the Scottish Enlightenment and the Scottish Agricultural Revolution, Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations. Numerous writers and economists, not to mention governments and institutions, were affected by it.

In his Report on Manufactures, in which he argued against many of Smith’s principles, Alexander Hamilton drew in part on Smith’s The Wealth of Nations.

Coincidentally, Smith’s The Wealth of Nations was partly a rebuttal to the ideas of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, on whose work Hamilton relied heavily for inspiration in writing this report.

Jean-Baptiste Say, David Ricardo, Thomas Malthus, and even Ludwig von Mises looked to the book as inspiration for their own writing. In his verse poem Eugene Onegin, published in 1833, Russian national poet Aleksandr Pushkin makes reference to Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations.

The Wealth of Nations is available on Amazon.

Read Das Kapital when I was 14, incl cross-checking English translation of original German. Adam Smith FTW obv. Ironically, future automation will naturally lead to greater equality of consumption. Monopolies are true enemy of people. Competing to serve is good. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 16, 2018

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About the Author

Benjamin Hughes is a literary enthusiast with a lifelong passion for books. He has an extensive knowledge of classic literature and a profound interest in exploring the depths of philosophical and existential themes.

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Elon Musk challenges Brazil's order to block certain X accounts

Musk promised to legally challenge the order where possible.

Elon Musk is challenging a decision by a Supreme Court justice in Brazil who ordered his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to block certain accounts, and he called on Sunday for the judge's resignation.

"This judge has brazenly and repeatedly betrayed the constitution and people of Brazil. He should resign or be impeached. Shame @Alexandre, shame," Musk posted on X.

In an earlier post, Musk said X was lifting all the restrictions decided by Justice Alexandre de Moraes on certain undisclosed accounts in Brazil and would publish details of the order despite the judge's prohibition on doing so.

Also read: Battle of Billionaires: Mark Zuckerberg wealthier than Elon Musk, a first since 2020

"This judge has applied massive fines, threatened to arrest our employees and cut off access to X in Brazil," Musk posted on Saturday evening. "As a result, we will probably lose all revenue in Brazil and have to shut down our office there. But principles matter more than profit."

Brazil's solicitor general, Jorge Messias, criticized Musk's decision and called for regulation of social media networks to prevent foreign platforms from violating Brazilian laws.

"We cannot live in a society in which billionaires domiciled abroad have control of social networks and put themselves in a position to violate the rule of law, failing to comply with court orders and threatening our authorities," Messias said in a post on X.

X Corp had been "forced by court decisions" to block certain popular accounts in Brazil and was prohibited from giving details of the order or which judge issued it, the company said in a statement. It said X was threatened with daily fines if it failed to comply.

Musk said the blocking order was unconstitutional.

"The people of Brazil, regardless of their political beliefs, are entitled to freedom of speech, due process, and transparency from their own authorities," he posted.

Also read: Elon Musk's xAI could be valued at $18 billion. Here's how

A spokesperson for the Supreme Court said the court had no comment on the matter for now.

Moraes, who is leading an investigation into an alleged coup attempt by former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, is one of the Supreme Court justices most active in combating online misinformation in Brazil.

Last year, Moraes also ordered an investigation into executives at social messaging platform Telegram and Alphabet's Google, who were in charge of a campaign criticizing a proposed internet regulation bill.

The bill put the onus on internet companies, search engines and social messaging services to find and report illegal material, instead of leaving it to the courts, and to charge hefty fines for failures to do so.

• Supreme Court

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