Elon Musk, founder of Tesla, SpaceX, and PayPal, has a longtime love for books. He credits them for inspiring him to dream big.
The business tycoon recommends a range of titles from science-fiction to biographies and even some classics. Some of these are essential readings for anyone interested in becoming a better leader, while others will teach you how to think outside the box.
Zero to One
If you’re an entrepreneur or a startup enthusiast, chances are you have heard of Elon Musk. The founder of Tesla and SpaceX, he is undoubtedly one of the smartest people on the planet.
He is also an avid reader. He often recommends books to his followers on Twitter.
In Zero to One, Peter Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, offers a new way of thinking about innovation. He encourages entrepreneurs to look for opportunities that no one else has thought of before and build valuable businesses around them.
The title comes from the fact that ordinary businessmen take a product from 1 to n, adding more of what already exists, while great entrepreneurs bring something “from 0 to one.” This creates value where it didn’t exist before.
To be a successful entrepreneur, you need to think about the long term. You need to have a vision and you need a good team to work with.
This book is a must-read for any entrepreneur who wants to build a business that will change the world. It will give you the confidence and knowledge that you need to succeed.
Thiel’s knowledge is based on his experience and is incredibly helpful for anyone who wants to start their own business. He is also an early investor in Facebook, SpaceX and LinkedIn.
Dune
Frank Herbert’s 1965 science fiction novel Dune is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the future. It tells the story of a far-flung society in which noble houses rule planet fiefs and are constantly in conflict over the valuable “spice” that is harvested on the desert planet Arrakis.
The plot of Dune revolves around the main character Paul Atreides, a boy who is sent by his noble family to steward the arid desert planet Arrakis, also known as Dune. There, he learns of the “spice” (known as melange), a drug that extends life and enhances mental powers.
Despite the hardships he encounters, he eventually finds his way to Arrakis and becomes a part of its unique culture. He meets a range of characters, from his mother Jessica to Duncan Idaho and his mentor Shaddam IV, each with their own secrets and trials.
The author explores a variety of social and ecological issues that are relevant to our modern world, and the book is an excellent example of how science fiction can tackle real-life concerns. It’s a great read for people who are looking to explore their own morality, the consequences of good intentions and the limits of power.
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin was a very talented inventor, scientist, businessman and politician. He also played a key role in establishing the United States as a free nation.
He was one of the Founding Fathers of America, and his work on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Treaty of Paris helped to establish the country. He was also a key figure in the American Revolution, and served as minister to France during the war.
In 1724, young Benjamin Franklin started his career as a printer in Philadelphia. He was initially set up in business by the governor of Pennsylvania, Sir William Keith.
When he began working for Keith, he met a beautiful girl named Deborah Read. They both fell in love.
After his apprenticeship, Franklin worked at the Reads’ printing shop in Philadelphia for a while. After a while, he decided to travel to London to learn more about the business world.
He had a big break with England when he got hold of some letters from Thomas Hutchinson, an English-appointed governor of Massachusetts who was actually working for King George III. He leaked the letters to Americans, who were outraged by this.
He returned to Philadelphia and became a prominent figure in the city. He was involved in civic affairs and founded several community organizations, including the first public library in the United States, a fire company and the American Philosophical Society. He was also a philanthropist who donated funds for schools and museums in Boston and Philadelphia.
