What is Elon Musk’s reading list, and where can I find the books?

There are many well-known facts about Elon Musk. For instance, you probably know that he’s the billionaire founder of Tesla, co-founder of Neuralink, and CEO of the social media company Twitter.

However, did you also know that Musk is an avid reader? If you want to learn more about his reading list, you’ve come to the right place. This article will list the most notable titles recommended by Musk and where you can get the books.

Elon Musk’s reading list

Here are some of the most famous books recommended by Elon Musk. You can find most, if not all of them as well as similar titles, on Amazon or Speechify Audiobooks.

Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark

Life 3.0 is a story about being human in the age of artificial intelligence. The author explains how AI could affect society, jobs, justice, and war.

Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson describes how Einstein’s brilliant mind worked and what made him one of the greatest scientists ever.

The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

Adam Smith wrote The Wealth of Nations as his magnum opus in 1776. It delves deep into what creates nations’ wealth and is a revolutionary work in economics. It explores free markets, productivity, labor divisions, and other topics.

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom

It’s worth reading Superintelligence to find the answer to the following questions: what happens if artificial intelligence eclipses our intelligence? Will it become more dangerous than nukes, or can it be used as a force for good?

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

J.E. Gordon elaborates on the forces responsible for the structural design and integrity of everything, from eggshells and bodies to aircraft and buildings.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

This biography chronicles the life of Steve Jobs. It covers all the issues he faced before and after he founded Apple.

The Big Picture by Sean Carroll

The Big Picture is a fascinating take on the Higgs Boson particle. It also tells you where you are in space, whether your emotions are meaningless, and if your purpose fits into scientific views.

Screw Business as Usual by Richard Branson

Screw Business as Usual argues that society should override capitalism and start caring for the planet, communities, and people.

Lying by Sam Harris

Sam Harris believes you can simplify your life and improve society by telling the truth. He focuses on the lies you may use to avoid making someone uncomfortable.

Our Final Invention by James Barrat

The final invention referred to in this book is artificial intelligence. Like Superintelligence, this novel predicts what AI may look like once it reaches peak capacity.

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

This is a must-read story about the search for the rocket propellants that helped take us into space. It perfectly captures the hazardous nature of this quest, which had no guarantees of safety or success.

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein

Stranger in a Strange Land is a science fiction novel about Valentine Michael Smith. He travels from Mars to earth to interact with an unknown species – humans.

Dune by Frank Herbert

The story is set on Arrakis, a desert planet where Paul Atereides has to rule a hostile world that only values a drug called mélange. Jeff Bezos also recommends this book.

Merchants of Doubt by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway

This novel follows high-level scientists who use their political connections to deny global warming and climate change.

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

Peter Thiel offers an innovative way of thinking in Zero to One. It teaches you to be more creative when finding value.

Instead of mimicking others, come up with an original idea. For instance, developing another operating system won’t make you nearly as famous as Bill Gates. You need your own creation to rise to prominence.

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson chronicles the adventures of Benjamin Franklin, an apprentice turned inventor, scientist, business strategist, and one of the best writers in America.

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Atlas Shrugged is a novel about a man who stopped “the motor of the world.” But in doing so, did he become a liberator or a destroyer?

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein

Robert Heinlein tells the story of a group that grapples with ever-evolving definitions of free will, technology, and humanity.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

This book follows the amazing adventures of Arthur Dent, who joins Ford Prefect on an unforgettable existential galactic journey.

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

Frodo Baggins takes on a nearly impossible task – destroy the Ring of Power in Mordor, the land of the dark lord Sauron.

Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness by Donald L. Barlett

Barlett talks about the life of former American magnate Howard Hughes and his mental illness.

Foundation by Isaac Asimov

The Galactic Empire is dying. Hari Seldon assembles the finest minds in the realm and takes them to the Foundation – the last beacon of hope for the future.

Get audiobooks of Musk’s recommended titles with Speechify

Reading the above books in the traditional form is great. However, you can get even more from Musk’s recommended titles in the audiobook format. That’s where Speechify Audiobooks comes in.

The vast library contains most of the titles. Some of the audiobooks you can start with include The Lord of the Rings, Dune, and Steve Jobs. Be sure to check out the wide range of sci-fi titles such as American Gods and Red Rising as well.

Give Speechify Audiobooks a try and enjoy your favorite books in immersive audio format. You can even get your first audiobook for free when signing up.

FAQ

How many books does Elon Musk read a day?

Elon Musk used to read two books a day, according to his brother. He probably reads much less now since SpaceX and other projects take up most of his time.

How many hours a day does Elon Musk read?

Before Elon Musk became the owner of Tesla, he read for 10 hours a day. It helped him build confidence, empathy, decision-making, and other skills that are crucial to being a business owner.

Which books does Elon Musk read on a regular basis?

Elon Musk regularly reads science and motivational books to improve his thinking. Some of his most beloved titles include The Big Picture and Inversions by Iain M. Banks.

What are the benefits of reading books from Elon Musk’s reading list?

You can gain a lot from reading books on Musk’s reading list. As the titles cover numerous disciplines, you can learn more about science, astrodynamics, philosophy, AI, and other fields.