What do the world’s wealthiest minds turn to when they’re not making market-shaking decisions, founding trillion-dollar companies, or debating the future of civilisation on Twitter? They read.
But not just any books – they’re busy reading manifestos, memoirs, boardroom bibles that have shaped industries and shifted paradigms. Some books, like Atlas Shrugged, stroke their beliefs in the power of the mighty individual genius. Others, like Principles, offer cold, calculated frameworks. Then there are the cult favourites, like Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People (because even titans need to be charming).
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Here are nine books you will find on the billionaire’s bookshelves.
“Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand
“Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn RandAmazon
Few books are as divisive—or as beloved by billionaires—as Atlas Shrugged. Elon Musk, Ev Williams, Peter Thiel, and Mark Cuban are among the many successful people who swear by Rand’s philosophy of objectivism, individualism, and an unflinching belief in the power of ‘prime movers.’ In this dystopian tale, the world crumbles under bureaucratic weight, saved only by the brilliant minds who refuse to be shackled by mediocrity. For those at the top, it’s less fiction and more of a playbook.
“Principles” by Ray Dalio
“Principles” by Ray DalioAmazon
Ray Dalio didn’t just build one of the most powerful hedge funds in the world—he systemised his decision-making into a framework that has since become a bible for billionaires like Drew Houston, Dustin Moskovitz, and Jack Dorsey. Principles is an unfiltered look at how radical transparency, systematic thinking, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity can drive extraordinary success.
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“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz
“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben HorowitzAmazon
Silicon Valley legend Ben Horowitz doesn’t sugarcoat entrepreneurship. In The Hard Thing About Hard Things, he delivers hard-won wisdom on the brutal realities of running a business—layoffs, difficult decisions, and sleepless nights. It’s an honest account of what it’s really like to take responsibility for people and results. Keith Rabois, Larry Page, and Mark Zuckerberg have all turned to Horowitz’s no-nonsense insights on leadership.
“How to Win Friends and Influence” People by Dale Carnegie
“How to Win Friends and Influence” People by Dale CarnegieAmazon
Warren Buffett credits How to Win Friends and Influence People as the most valuable education he’s ever received. He even keeps his Dale Carnegie course certificate in his office—above his university diplomas. This book, a cult favourite, is a manual for mastering human psychology, influence, and the art of deal-making. When billionaires need to close negotiations, inspire teams, or navigate power dynamics, they turn to Carnegie’s timeless wisdom.
“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen
“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton ChristensenAmazon
Why do industry giants collapse while scrappy startups rise to dominance? Clayton Christensen cracked the code with The Innovator’s Dilemma, a book that has shaped the strategies of Jeff Bezos, Steve Jobs, and countless tech visionaries. If you want to understand how billionaires anticipate disruption before it happens, this book is the oracle.
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“Zero to One” by Peter Thiel
“Zero to One” by Peter ThielAmazon
In Zero to One, Thiel argues that true wealth isn’t built on iteration but on creating entirely new things. Elon Musk, who co-founded PayPal alongside Thiel, has praised the book for its insights into building monopolies, thinking independently, and betting on the future before the world catches up.
“Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight
“Shoe Dog” by Phil KnightAmazon
At first glance, Shoe Dog may seem like an underdog story—Nike’s rise from a humble startup to a global icon. But for billionaires, it’s a lesson in calculated risk, endurance, and branding genius. Phil Knight’s raw, candid account of building Nike resonates with those who have fought their way to the top, proving that even billionaires appreciate a story about beating the odds.
“Built to Last” by Jim Collins
“Built to Last” by Jim CollinsAmazon
This book dissects why certain companies endure for decades while others fizzle out, making it essential reading for visionaries like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. Collins argues that true greatness isn’t about short-term wins but about building a culture and a company that outlives its founder.
“The Courage to Be Disliked” by Ichiro Kishimi
“The Courage to Be Disliked” by Ichiro KishimiAmazon
This book delivers a sharp counterpoint in a world obsessed with validation: true freedom comes from detaching from the expectations of others. This Japanese philosophy book, rooted in Adlerian psychology, has found its way onto the bookshelves of billionaires who understand that true leadership means making bold choices without needing universal approval.
